TV
In a dramatic twist, a drug trafficking method allegedly involving edible mixture packets has come to the fore in Khordha. The Excise Department on Friday seized brown sugar and cash from a godown in Bhatapada, triggering controversy and community backlash.
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According to official sources, a major brown sugar smuggling racket was uncovered in the Bhatapada village under Kunjuri panchayat in the district. Acting on a tip-off, the Excise Department raided the mixture storage unit and recovered 150 grams of the contraband item hidden inside mixture packets — a clever yet alarming method of trafficking.
During the surprise raid, the authorities also seized Rs 1 lakh in cash, suggesting deeper links and a possible network. Two suspects, including the godown owner, were detained and are currently being interrogated by the Excise officials to gather more information.
The incident has sparked tension in the village. Several locals allege that a conspiracy was hatched to falsely implicate the mixture godown owner and other accused. Villagers claim they were framed, and demand a fair and transparent probe into the matter.
A detailed investigation is underway, with officials exploring both the trafficking network and the allegations of false implication.
“Prima facie evidence suggests that it (the seized brown sugar) was under his possession. As 150 grams of brown sugar is a huge quantity, we have detained him (the godown owner). Some others (villagers) had requested to release the man. Whoever is involved in this illegal activity will be nabbed,” Khordha Excise Superintendent Suniti Tripathy said.
