Jagatsinghpur: In a significant crackdown on the illegal narcotics trade, Excise officials in Jagatsinghpur arrested a 34-year-old alleged brown sugar peddler and seized 23 grams of heroin with an estimated market value of ₹2,30,000.
The accused, identified as Madan Mohan Singh (34), son of Umesh Singh and a resident of Lala Sahi village under Jagatsinghpur police limits, had reportedly been operating a clandestine brown sugar business in the area for a considerable period. Acting on specific inputs, a team led by Inspector Bandana Pattnaik of the district Excise Flying Squad began tracking his movements.
During the pursuit, the accused allegedly attempted to evade arrest by entering the District Headquarters Hospital premises in Jagatsinghpur. However, the Excise team followed him inside the campus and successfully apprehended him. A search conducted on the spot led to the recovery of 23 grams of illegal heroin from his possession. Officials estimated the value of the seized contraband at approximately ₹2.3 lakh.
The raid was carried out by members of the Jagatsinghpur district Excise Flying Squad, including ASI Santosh Nayak, ASI Pinaki Ranjan Rautaray, Constable Sabita Nayak, Biswaranjan Swain, Sukant Majhi and other personnel. Following his arrest, the accused was produced before the court. His bail plea was rejected, and he has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.
Excise Officer Anita Pradhan stated that the department will further intensify its drive against narcotics trafficking in the district. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy, she asserted that continuous raids and strict enforcement measures will be undertaken to curb the illegal drug trade and bring offenders under the purview of the Excise Act.
