Dhanupali police seized 50.4 grams of brown sugar and arrested five accused near Sambalpur Zoo on Sunday morning, marking another major breakthrough in their anti-narcotics drive.
The arrested individuals include Sudip Mahanand of Bhatra, Premanand Nag of Gunderpur, Jogesh Oram of Charbhati, Somanath Pradhan of Kamtipali, and Rampal Oram of Charbhati. Police recovered a scooter, ₹12,400 in cash, and four mobile phones from them.
Acting on a tip-off, a team led by SI Shubasmita Roy raided a deserted BSNL quarters near the zoo around 7 a.m. and caught the accused red-handed. Police confirmed that the group was engaged in the brown sugar trade.
Just days earlier, on March 28, Dhanupali police arrested notorious peddler Arman Khan (23) with 61 grams of brown sugar and a country-made gun. The latest seizure underscores the department’s intensified crackdown on narcotics in Sambalpur.
Local residents praised the police action and urged authorities to continue strict vigilance against drug rackets that threaten youth and community safety.
