Cough Syrup Smuggling Racket Busted at Bolangir Railway Station
Bolangir, November 6, 2025 — In a major crackdown on pharmaceutical smuggling, Railway Police seized 900 bottles of banned cough syrup worth over Rs 1 lakh at Bolangir Railway Station.
The operation took place on Platform No. 2 following a tip-off, leading to the arrest of Raja alias Dhabaleswar Jena, a repeat offender from Barpalipada.
The contraband was concealed in 24 crates packed into two large bags and was being transported via train. Authorities suspect the shipment was part of a larger network distributing restricted substances across regions.
Raja, previously jailed multiple times for similar offences, was out on bail at the time of arrest.
Investigators noted the meticulous packaging and timing of the transport, indicating an organised attempt to bypass security checks. Police are now tracing the intended destination and possible accomplices linked to the smuggling ring.
This incident underscores growing concerns over cough syrup abuse and illegal distribution in Odisha. Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance at transport hubs to dismantle such supply chains.
