Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on narcotics trade, the Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch seized 264 grams of brown sugar and arrested two alleged drug traffickers during a raid near the hill slopes of the iconic Dhauli Stupa on Wednesday.
According to officials, the action followed specific intelligence inputs indicating that a drug deal was about to take place on the outskirts of the state capital. STF teams conducted a swift operation and detained the accused while they were allegedly preparing to finalise the transaction.
The arrested persons have been identified as, Pradeep Kumar Patra (38) of Kalapathar under Baideswar police limits in Cuttack district and Md. Sahanawaz Hussain (41) of Sardhapur under Khordha Town police limits. Both were taken into custody at the spot after they failed to provide any valid explanation or documentation for the suspected narcotic substance in their possession.
During the search, STF officials recovered:
-
264 grams of brown sugar
-
Three mobile phones
-
A TVS Apache motorcycle
-
Other incriminating materials linked to illegal drug trafficking
The seized brown sugar is estimated to carry a significant value in the illegal narcotics market. The STF has initiated a detailed investigation into the duo’s alleged involvement in a larger drug network operating across the region. Further arrests and follow-up raids have not been ruled out.
-OdishaAge
