Crime in Odisha / Brown Sugar Worth ₹27 Lakh Seized in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Aug 10: The Special Crime Unit in Bhubaneswar has carried out a major raid against narcotics trade, seizing 263 grams of brown sugar from Haladipadia slum.

Acting on intelligence, the team intercepted a drug deal in progress and arrested one accused, identified as Jakirul Islam from West Bengal.

Police sources revealed that the accused had smuggled the contraband from West Bengal to Bhubaneswar.

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The seized brown sugar is estimated to have a market value of around ₹27 lakh. Investigations are underway to trace other individuals involved in the racket and dismantle the wider network.

In a separate incident, Paralakhemundi police recovered nearly 4 kilograms of ganja from Batagoda Sahi Tala locality. The recovery was made after locals spotted a suspicious bag lying by the roadside on Sunday evening. Upon inspection, police confirmed the bag contained ganja.

Authorities have launched an investigation to identify who abandoned the consignment and its intended destination.

Meanwhile, Bhadrak police foiled an illegal cattle smuggling attempt near Barada under Banta block. Acting on a tip-off from local cow protection activists, police set up a checkpoint at the town’s entry point.

A pickup van carrying 17 cattle tried to evade the barricade but was intercepted after a chase. The smugglers fled, abandoning the vehicle. Police seized the van and rescued the cattle, some of which were injured.

The animals were provided medical care and shifted to a gaushala. The van has been impounded at the Town Police Station, and investigations are ongoing to identify the owners and those involved in the smuggling network.