Brown sugar racket busted near Bhubaneswar Dhauli hills; STF arrests two with 264 gram contraband

The Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch seized 264 grams of brown sugar and arrested two alleged traffickers during a raid near the hill slopes of Dhauli Stupa in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

According to reports, the arrests came following a targeted operation based on intelligence inputs. The operation took place while the accused were allegedly preparing to strike a drug deal on the outskirts of the state capital.

Deal Intercepted After Intelligence Tip-Off

Sources reported that STF teams launched the operation early on Wednesday after receiving information about a suspected narcotics transaction behind the downhill stretch of the Dhauli Stupa area under Dhauli police station. Officers positioned on surveillance intercepted two individuals and detained them for questioning before conducting a search.

The arrested persons were identified as Pradeep Kumar Patra (38) from Kalapathar under Baideswar police limits in Cuttack district, and Md. Sahanawaz Hussain (41) of Sardhapur under Khordha Town police limits.

Officials said both were taken into custody at the spot when they failed to provide any explanation or documentation for the suspected substance they possessed.

Contraband, Phones And Motorcycle Seized

During the search, STF officers seized 264 grams of brown sugar, three mobile phones, a TVS Apache motorcycle, and other incriminating articles. Investigators said the items were recovered from the accused.

Sources added that the seized mobile phones will be examined for call records, contacts, financial links, and communication with possible suppliers. The motorcycle, believed to have been used for transport, has also been retained for verification of ownership details. 

Forensic assessment of the contraband will be carried out as part of the investigation process.

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Accused Produced In Court Under NDPS Provisions

The STF informed that following their arrest, Patra and Hussain were forwarded to the court of the District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Judge, Khordha at Bhubaneswar, and a case has been registered.

Reports said further leads are being pursued to determine whether the two arrested men were acting independently or were linked to a broader chain involving bulk suppliers and distributors. The STF has confirmed that the investigation is continuing.