Sambalpur: 1440 Bottles of Intoxicating Cough Syrup Seized; Police Arrest Five Accused in Sambalpur

Police Raids at Jhankarpada: Missing Cough Syrup Raises Questions

Sambalpur: The Dhanupali Police conducted a raid early this morning in the Jhankarpada area near the City Station and seized 1,440 bottles of intoxicating cough syrup. Alongside the seizure, they confiscated an unregistered scooter, a luxury car, four mobile phones, and Rs. 10,000 in cash.

Arrests Made During the Operation

The arrested individuals include Mohammad Akram (30) from Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh; Mohammad Taslim (24) and Mohammad Atif (35) from Sunapali under Dhanupali police station; Shekhar Jariuddin alias Bittu (28) from Motijharan; and Shaanantu Das alias Sonu (29) from Sahucolony, under Town Police Station limits.

The Cough Syrup’s Movement

Police apprehended five accused as they attempted to move the intoxicating syrup, which smugglers had transported into Sambalpur early in the morning via a pickup truck disguised as a goods carrier. The syrup was valued at Rs. 5 lakh.

Missing Syrup Before the Raid

Before the police raid, a special source revealed that eight crates (960 bottles) of syrup had already gone missing. The truck initially carried 20 crates (2,400 bottles), but due to delays or other reasons, eight crates were smuggled elsewhere. The police managed to seize only 12 crates (1,440 bottles).

Delayed Police Action Sparks Criticism

Locals claimed that if the police had acted quickly, all 20 crates could have been seized and more than ten suspects arrested. This has raised serious concerns about the police’s efficiency and timeliness in such operations.

Further Investigations Underway

According to SDPO Tufan Bag, additional individuals are suspected to be involved in this illegal operation, and efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend them.

This incident emphasizes the need for timely and proactive action to curb such illegal activities effectively.