Balasore, Sep 15: Excise officials on Monday seized 170 grams of brown sugar, valued at Rs17 lakh, during a raid in Nalagiri in Odisha’s Balasore district, and arrested two persons in this connection.

The accused have been identified as Jyotiranjan Nayak and Prashant Mallik, both residents of Jirtala village under Khantapada police limits in the district.

Based on a tipoff, the Excise officials, led by Nilagiri Excise Inspector Keshab Chandra Das, conducted a raid at Astia Chhak under Nilgiri police limits and seized the contraband from the accused duo.

The officials also seized a Honda Unicorn motorcycle, believed to have been used in the transportation of the seized contraband, from the possession of the accused.

Following their arrest, both accused were produced in court. Officials stated that the seized brown sugar was intended for illegal sale in the locality and further investigation in this connection was underway.

Meanwhile, the Excise department has urged the people to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help combat drug trafficking more effectively.