The Khordha Industrial Police have struck a significant blow against the growing drug mafia in the region, seizing 320 grams of brown sugar valued at over ₹32 lakh and arresting two individuals involved in the illegal narcotics trade.
The operation, led by Sub-Inspector Sunita Behera, was executed following a tip-off about a major drug deal in the Kumarabasta area near Gurujang Dwarika Nagar.
The police, acting on precise intelligence, formed a special team under SI Behera’s leadership, accompanied by two government witnesses appointed by the Khordha Sub-Collector. The team targeted a suspect described as wearing a black t-shirt and half-pants, who was spotted in the Tangiapada Duari Temple premises. Upon inspection, authorities recovered a white box containing a brownish powder, later confirmed to be brown sugar, along with transparent polythene packets from the suspect, identified as Bishwa Ranjan Rautray.
Further investigation revealed additional items, including a mobile phone, a scooter (registration OD02DB3163), a blue Pulsar motorcycle (registration OD02DC8636), and drug paraphernalia, all of which were seized. A second individual was also apprehended, and both have been charged under Sections 21(c) and 29 of the NDPS Act.
The case, registered as Khordha Industrial PS Case No. 177 dated July 28, 2025, has been forwarded to the court, as confirmed by SP Sagarika Nath during a press conference.
The drug trade in Khordha town and its surrounding rural areas has been on the rise, with brown sugar peddlers reportedly orchestrating operations even from within jail premises. This has fueled a surge in related crimes such as theft, robbery, kidnapping, and murder, posing a significant challenge to the district police. Despite previous failures to curb the menace, recent efforts have shown progress. Over the past three months, Khordha police have seized 782 grams of brown sugar and arrested 30 drug peddlers across various operations, with investigations ongoing.
The Excise Department has also stepped up its efforts, recently apprehending a major dealer with brown sugar worth ₹15 lakh. The police, not to be outdone, have made significant seizures, including consignments valued at ₹25 lakh and ₹32 lakh, signalling a renewed commitment to dismantling the drug network.
SP Nath emphasised that the police are working tirelessly to restore peace and curb the narcotics trade in Khordha, with further arrests and seizures expected as investigations deepen.
