Talcher, Jul 12: In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics, the Excise Department of Talcher in Angul district seized 46 grams of brown sugar valued at approximately ₹4.6 lakh during a raid near Dera GMT Colony under Talcher Colliery Police Station limits.

Acting on a tip-off, a special team from the Excise Department conducted the raid and apprehended Papun Kumar Sahoo (25), who was allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.

The operation led to the confiscation of the brown sugar, a motorcycle bearing registration number OD-35-J-0031, and a mobile phone used in the illicit activity.

The raid took place near Dera village, where Sahoo was reportedly engaged in drug peddling. Officials confirmed that the seized brown sugar was intended for local distribution and that the accused had been under surveillance following intelligence inputs.

Following the arrest, Sahoo was produced in court and remanded to judicial custody. The Excise Department stated that further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and identify other individuals involved in the network.

This successful operation highlights the department’s ongoing efforts to curb the spread of narcotics in the region. Authorities have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat drug-related crimes.

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