In a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade, Sonepur district police on Sunday intensified operations against the trafficking of cough syrup and intercepted a consignment being transported from neighbouring Bargarh district through Sonepur. During the operation, police seized 9,000 bottles of cough syrup, estimated to be worth ₹18 lakh, and arrested one accused in connection with the case.
According to Sonepur Superintendent of Police Narayan Nayak, the district police have seized a total of nearly 12,000 bottles of cough syrup over the past year, with a cumulative market value of around ₹60 lakh. The seizures point to the large-scale illegal trade operating through the district.
Under Rampur Police Station limits, police seized the consignment along with two vehicles used for transportation. The arrested individual is believed to be the transporter, while efforts are underway to trace and apprehend other accused who managed to escape.
So far, 12 persons have been arrested in connection with multiple cases related to cough syrup trafficking. Police have also seized five four-wheelers and two motorcycles involved in transporting the contraband. The SP said that over the past eight to nine months, eight cases have been registered as part of the sustained enforcement drive.
Police officials stated that strict surveillance and enforcement will continue to dismantle drug networks and prevent substance abuse, particularly among the youth in the district.
