Bhubaneswar, Sep 16: In a major breakthrough under the anti-narcotics drive ‘Operation Prahar’, the Excise Police arrested a drug peddler near Bomikhal overbridge in the capital city.

The accused, identified as Srikant Mishra, was allegedly involved in distributing brown sugar across various localities in Bhubaneswar using an auto-rickshaw as cover.

Acting on a tip-off, a dedicated team from the Excise Police conducted a raid and intercepted Mishra while he was traveling in an auto. Upon search, the team recovered 220 grams of brown sugar from his possession. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth several lakhs in the illegal drug market.

According to officials, Mishra had been operating discreetly, moving from one area to another to avoid detection. His arrest is seen as a significant step in curbing the growing menace of synthetic drugs in urban Odisha.

The Excise Department has intensified its crackdown on narcotics following a series of high-profile seizures in recent months. Authorities are now investigating Mishra’s network to identify suppliers and other associates involved in the trade.

A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and Mishra is currently in custody. Further interrogation is underway to trace the supply chain and uncover any links to larger drug syndicates.