Khordha, July 11: In a major crackdown on illegal drug trade, the Excise Department seized 150 grams of brown sugar from a mixture factory located in Bhatapada under Begunia block of Khordha district. Acting on a tip-off, officials raided the premises and recovered the contraband, estimated to be worth ₹15 lakh.
During the operation, a businessman and an employee associated with the factory were arrested for their alleged involvement in the illegal narcotics trade. According to departmental sources, the raid was launched following intelligence inputs that the factory was being used to store and distribute brown sugar.
The incident has triggered public outrage, with villagers alleging a conspiracy behind the storage of drugs in the factory. Tension prevailed outside the Khordha Excise Office as news of the arrests spread, with locals demanding a thorough investigation into the matter.
Further inquiry is underway to determine the extent of the illegal network and any possible links to other regions.
