Puri police on Wednesday arrested Abdul Kayum Khan (44) of Danagohir village and seized 265 grams of commercial quantity brown sugar (morphine) during a raid in Pipili. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking in the region.
According to Puri police data, 34 cases under the NDPS Act were registered between January and November 26 this year, with 28 cases related to brown sugar. During this 11-month period, authorities seized a total of 1.368 kg of brown sugar, with February, September, and November recording the largest hauls. February saw the highest single-month seizure of 571.009 grams, followed by 225.25 grams in September and 265 grams in November.
Cannabis-related operations resulted in the recovery of 38.935 kg of ganja, with August, September, and October witnessing the largest quantities. September alone accounted for 20 kg, making it the most significant month for cannabis seizures in 2025.
Overall, 63 people were arrested under the NDPS Act this year, including 60 men and three women. Arrests were spread throughout the year, with March, September, and November recording comparatively higher numbers. November saw a sudden surge in brown sugar cases, with eight cases, 265 grams seized, and 19 accused taken into custody up to November 26.
SP (Puri) Prateek Singh said operations would be intensified in the coming months, focusing on smuggling routes, peddler networks, and inter-state supply lines. He added that the figures reflect both heightened vigilance and ongoing attempts by traffickers to circulate narcotics.
