Sambalpur: As part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Odisha Abhiyan’, Sambalpur Police have intensified surveillance, night patrolling and enforcement against the illegal transportation, possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and other intoxicating substances across the district.
During the intervening night of September 19 and 20, a police team from Rengali police station was conducting night patrolling within its jurisdiction when it received reliable information that a large quantity of codeine-based cough syrup was being transported in two cars from Cuttack side towards Katarbaga-Thelkoloi area via the Jangla forest route under Rengali Police Station.
Acting on the information, the police team proceeded to Jangla village and started checking on the Jangla-Pandoloi road. Two cars were observed approaching from the direction of Jangla village.Around 6:15 AM, the police team intercepted the first vehicle bearing registration number OD-15-H-1432 and apprehended its driver, identified as Ashutosh Mendali. Another occupant of the vehicle fled into the nearby jungle.
The second vehicle, an Ertiga without registration number, was travelling behind the first vehicle at high speed. It failed to negotiate the narrow road and collided with a roadside tree. As police personnel approached, the driver, identified as Pritam Biswal, exited the vehicle and attempted to flee.During the pursuit, Pritam Biswal fired at the police personnel.
After issuing warnings to stop, the police team responded with controlled fire in self-defence when the threat continued. The accused sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg during the exchange of fire and was immediately shifted to CHC, Rengali for medical treatment. Police said the accused fired four rounds while the police team fired three rounds in response.
During inspection of the vehicles, police recovered 20 cartons of Winrex codeine-based cough syrup from the Ertiga without registration number and 4 cartons of Winrex codeine-based cough syrup from the car bearing registration number OD-15-H-1432.
In addition, police recovered one country-made 9mm pistol and seven empty cartridges from the spot. The exact number of bottles, total quantity and composition of the seized cough syrup are being verified.Further investigation is underway to determine the source, supply chain and intended destination of the codeine-based cough syrup, the involvement of other persons and the identity of the person who fled into the jungle.
Efforts are continuing to identify all persons involved in the illegal supply network.Sambalpur Police said they remain committed to the objectives of the ‘Nasha Mukt Odisha Abhiyan’ and to protecting the younger generation from drug abuse.ther investigation is underway.
