Illegal cough syrup smuggling busted by Odisha police; 9,000 bottles seized, 1 arrested

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 and seized 9,000 bottles of cough syrup. 

The seized stock is estimated to be worth Rs 18 lakh. An accused was arrested in this connection.

Year-Long Crackdown Yields Results

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) of Sonepur, Narayan Nayak, the district police have seized a total of 12,000 bottles of cough syrup over the past year, with a cumulative market value of around Rs 60 lakh. These seizures highlight the scale of the illegal trade operating through the district.

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Arrests and Vehicle Seizure

So far, 12 persons have been arrested in connection with the cases. Police have also seized five four-wheelers and two motorcycles used for transporting the contraband.

“Under Rampur Police Station limits, around 9,000 bottles of cough syrup have been seized, along with two vehicles, and the transporter has been arrested. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the accused who managed to escape. The seized cough syrup is valued at over Rs 18 lakh, while its market value is estimated to be around Rs 45 lakh. Over the past eight to nine months, eight cases have been registered, leading to the seizure of nearly 12,000 bottles with a total market value of approximately Rs 60 lakh,” said Sonepur Superintendent of Police Narayan Nayak.

The sustained crackdown reflects Sonepur police’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and safeguarding the youth from substance abuse. Authorities have reiterated that strict surveillance and enforcement will continue to prevent such illegal activities in the district.