Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen) April 23: Based on specific intelligence, the Odisha Police’s Special Task Force (STF), in collaboration with Angul Police, conducted raids in several locations within the Angul district on Monday morning, resulting in the arrest of two drug peddlers, including an interstate dealer.
The apprehended individuals are identified as Rakibul Sekh (43) from Murshidabad district, West Bengal, and Bijay Birbarma (26) from Angul district, Odisha.
Following a search, authorities seized 1.120 kg of brown sugar (heroin) and other incriminating materials from their possession. The accused failed to produce valid authorization for possessing the contraband, leading to their arrest and subsequent presentation before the court of Additional District Judge-cum-Special Judge in Talcher.
A case has been registered under Sections 21(c)/29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, at the STF police station, with further investigation underway. Brown sugar, a local variation of heroin, is commonly trafficked from districts in West Bengal, including Murshidabad, Nadia, and Burdwan, via road or rail routes through Midnapore and Jaleswar.
Despite being smaller in volume and weight compared to ganja, brown sugar trafficking presents challenges due to its lack of distinct odor, complicating law enforcement efforts.
The STF’s ongoing efforts against narcotic drugs have resulted in significant seizures, including over 76 kg of brown sugar/heroin and 202 grams of cocaine since 2020.
