Bhubaneswar, July 9(OT Webdesk): In a decisive strike against narcotics trafficking, Maitree Vihar Police in Bhubaneswar conducted a covert operation near the Hatiashuni Water Tank on Tuesday, resulting in the seizure of 254 grams of brown sugar valued at over Rs 25 lakh.
Acting on a credible intelligence tip, a specialised team under the Inspector-in-Charge apprehended five suspects—Sampad Kumar Das (43), Sibananda Mohapatra (30), Mallick Saeed Ali (61), Sadasiba Jagdeb (32), and Rajendra Mohapatra (25). All hail from Bhubaneswar or adjoining localities.
Alongside the narcotics, authorities confiscated Rs 3,500 in cash and three motorcycles believed to be linked to the drug distribution network.
Notably, two of the accused—Rajendra and Sibananda Mohapatra—have existing criminal records for theft and drug-related offences, hinting at a larger web of repeat offenders.
The arrests were made under Section 21(C) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A case (No. 264/2025) has been registered, and investigations are ongoing to uncover broader supply chain links and possible inter-district trafficking routes.
This operation underscores the Commissionerate Police’s intensified efforts to dismantle well-organised narcotic syndicates operating in the capital region.
