Bargarh: In a major crackdown on illegal drug trafficking, Sohela police seized 1,325 bottles of Eskuf cough syrup and arrested four persons during a vehicle checking drive near Chichinda Chowk on Monday afternoon.
According to police, a car was intercepted by a patrolling team led by Sub Inspector (SI) Rabinarayan Pradhan. A thorough inspection of the vehicle revealed the contraband, suspected to be transported for illicit trade.
The accused have been identified as Laxman Kumbhar (37) of Kapsila, Padampur; Ganesh Meher (34) of Jamla, Padampur; Gouri Narayan Tripathy (38) of Tendapadar, Buden; and Dayanidhi Parua (32) of Ranisarda, Tarbha in Subarnapur district.
Along with the cough syrup bottles, police also seized the vehicle and two mobile phones from their possession.
The four accused have been booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the NDPS Act and forwarded to court. Police said verification of their criminal antecedents is underway.
Officials described the seizure as a significant step in the ongoing fight against the illegal transportation and trade of narcotic substances in the region.
