Sonepur Police Bust Illegal Cough Syrup Racket, Driver Escapes

Sonepur district police intercepted a major consignment of cough syrup near Duradura under Subalaya police limits following intelligence inputs on drug trafficking.

During the raid, a Mahindra XUV700 attempted to flee, but the driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped.

Upon inspection, officers discovered 13 cartons containing nearly 2,000 bottles of cough syrup worth over Rs 10 lakh.

Two men escorting the vehicle were detained for questioning, and another car linked to the operation was seized.

Authorities suspect the consignment was part of a larger smuggling network distributing pharmaceutical contraband across western Odisha.

A manhunt has been launched to trace the absconding driver and dismantle the racket.

Police officials emphasised that the crackdown reflects their intensified efforts against the illegal drug trade in the region.