Brown Sugar racket busted in Bhubaneswar: 3 arrested, drugs worth Rs 45 lakh seized

A major brown sugar trafficking racket was busted in the capital city on Tuesday when the Excise Department apprehended three youths who had been allegedly selling the narcotic substance across Bhubaneswar. The accused, who were travelling on a black motorcycle, were caught red-handed during a raid in Saheed Nagar while attempting to sell the illegal substance.

The Arrest and Seizure

According to officials, the Excise Department and police jointly conducted an operation after receiving intelligence inputs about a drug deal.

The arrested youths have been identified as Hasim Khan, Rabi Barik, and Subrat Kumar Parida.

During the raid, authorities seized 463 grams of brown sugar, valued at approximately Rs 45 lakh in the illegal market. The trio had reportedly been selling the narcotic for a long time, moving through narrow lanes on their motorcycle to avoid detection. Their bike, frequently used in the trade, has also been seized.

Also Read: 400 grams brown sugar worth 40 lakh seized in Bhubaneswar

"When we analysed the previous cases, we got information through their linkages that some people are involved. Then we targeted them and tracked them. Today, we were successful as there was a deal going on at Satya Nagar flyover. The Excise department has been successful in catching them, and 463 grams of Brown Sugar were seized," said the police official. 

Modus Operandi

Investigators revealed that the group operated discreetly, choosing crowded residential neighbourhoods and gully routes to deliver the contraband. They allegedly sold small packets of brown sugar to buyers across various localities in the city.

Legal Action Initiated

Following their arrest, the three accused were produced before the court by the Excise Department. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the seized contraband and identify any larger network involved.