Cuttack, Aug 20: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Cuttack Excise Department on Tuesday seized heroin worth Rs 25 lakh from two separate locations in the city and arrested two individuals in connection with the illegal trade.
Acting on a tip-off, excise officials launched a raid in Deulasahi Chakka under Bidanasi Police Station limits, where they apprehended Chandan Behera with 112 grams of heroin in his possession. Officials also seized a Bullet motorcycle used for transporting the contraband. Behera was reportedly waiting to sell the drugs to customers at the time of the raid.
In a separate operation, the team conducted another raid on Nimpur Road under Jagatpur Police Station limits, leading to the arrest of Biswaranjan Swain, a resident of Deulasahi. Authorities recovered 130 grams of heroin from him.
Following their arrests, both individuals were medically examined and produced in court. A further investigation is underway to identify any additional individuals involved in the drug network operating in and around Cuttack.
This operation follows an earlier drug seizure on May 6, when excise officials recovered 223 grams and 292 grams of heroin from two individuals during routine patrolling in Manguli area of the city.
Meanwhile, in a related development, a joint team of excise officials and Commissionerate Police conducted raids on several betel (paan) shops near Maharishi College in Bhubaneswar after receiving complaints about alleged drug smuggling activities at these establishments.
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying anti-narcotics operations in the region and urged the public to report any suspicious activities linked to drug peddling.
