Sambalpur Police Bust Rs 15 Lakh Cough Syrup Smuggling Ring, 20 Arrested Ahead of Festive Season
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Sambalpur police seized 5,100 bottles of banned Corex cough syrup valued at Rs 15 lakh and arrested 20 individuals involved in the smuggling network.
The operation, led by Bareipali IIC Radhakanta Barik, was executed near Mesinkata Chowk on October 13 following a tip-off.
The contraband was being transported from Cuttack to Sambalpur in a four-wheeler, which was intercepted around 2:30 PM. Police recovered Rs 40,000 in cash, mobile phones, and the vehicle used in the operation.
Initial arrests included Lokesh Pradhan, Mahendra Kisan, Prabhat Bhoi, Amod Karali, and Manish Singh. Subsequent interrogations led to the capture of 15 more individuals linked to the distribution and sale.
SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamu confirmed that the group intended to exploit festive season demand.
The cough syrup originated from Kolkata and Raipur, routed through Cuttack. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and investigations are ongoing to trace the kingpins behind the supply chain.
Authorities have vowed to intensify surveillance and dismantle the remaining links in Sambalpur’s drug network.
