In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Maitree Vihar Police Station in Bhubaneswar executed a surprise raid on July 9, 2025, near the Hatiashuni Water Tank, apprehending five individuals involved in an illegal narcotics operation.
Acting on reliable intelligence, a special team, under the supervision of the Inspector-in-Charge, seized 254 grams of brown sugar with an estimated market value exceeding Rs 25 lakhs. The operation also resulted in the confiscation of three motorcycles and Rs 3,500 in cash.
The accused, identified as Sampad Kumar Das (43), Sibananda Mohapatra (30), Mallick Saeed Ali (61), Sadasiba Jagdeb (32), and Rajendra Mohapatra (25), all residents of Bhubaneswar and nearby areas, were arrested under Section 21(C) of the NDPS Act. Two of the accused, Rajendra Mohapatra and Sibananda Mohapatra, have prior criminal records, including cases related to drug trafficking and theft, indicating a possible network of repeat offenders.
Commissionerate Police is investigating further to uncover potential links to larger drug trafficking networks in the region. The Maitree Vihar Police Station has registered a Case (264/2025). The accused are currently in custody, and preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of a well-organised supply chain.
This operation marks a significant step in the fight against drug-related crimes in Bhubaneswar, with the police committed to intensifying efforts to dismantle such networks.
