Sambalpur, Mar 25: Police busted a racket that allegedly dealt in codeine-laced cough syrups in Odisha's Sambalpur district on Monday and arrested as many as 33 people in this connection.

Police also seized more than 16,000 cough syrup bottles during raids in the district.

According to sources, a total of 10,800 bottles of cough syrup were recovered from a truck in Sambalpur town and 26 people were arrested. Police also seized as many as 11 mobile phones, one truck, one Mahindra Bolero, two Auto rickshaws, one bullet and a scooter in this connection.

The seized bottles were brought to Sambalpur from Hooghly district of West Bengal for consumption during Holi and upcoming elections, sources said.

In another case under Sambalpur Sadar police limits, police seized a total of 5,520 cough syrup bottles and arrested seven persons, including a woman. Police also seized as many as five mobile phones, 2 four wheelers and a truck in this connection.

Separate cases have been registered under NDPS Act at Sambalpur Sadar police station and Sambalpur Town police station and further investigations are underway, police said.

Read More Odisha News