Operation Dharpagad: Sambalpur Police Arrest 15, Seize Arms and Narcotics

Sambalpur police have intensified their crackdown on illegal arms smuggling, narcotics trade, and criminal activities through a special drive named Operation Dharpagad.

Acting under the instructions of SP Mukesh Bhamu, independent teams carried out raids across multiple locations in the district.

According to Sambalpur DIB officer Shashank Beura, the operation targeted illegal weapons and narcotics networks. Police teams seized large quantities of contraband, including two country-made pistols, one 12 mm bore double-barrel gun, ten live bullets, and one empty cartridge.

From December 17 onwards, the police registered two cases related to arms smuggling and arrested three accused. In addition, they filed four cases linked to the narcotics trade and arrested twelve individuals. The seizures included 116 grams of brown sugar, 54.23 kg of ganja, nine mobile phones, one Tata Ace vehicle, a scooter, and ₹600 in cash.

Across Odisha, Operation Dharpagad has expanded its reach. Police registered 27 cases against illegal arms traffickers, seizing 36 guns, 71 bullets, and 62 sharp weapons. A total of 27 offenders were arrested in connection with these cases.

Meanwhile, Sambalpur police also acted against drunk driving. They registered 519 cases and seized 211 vehicles during the campaign.