Bargarh police have arrested three individuals on charges of trafficking brown sugar during a raid on the outskirts of the town, officials confirmed on Friday.
The accused have been identified as Raju Tandi (46) of Mahantipada, Gopi Mahanand (40) of Master Tikra, and Shrabana Kumbhar (22) of Bisipada.
Acting on intelligence about suspected drug trafficking, a Bargarh Town Police team conducted a surprise operation on Brahmachari–Katapali Road. The three were caught off guard and taken into custody immediately.
Authorities recovered 16 grams of brown sugar from their possession, along with two mobile phones and cash totaling Rs2,250.
Speaking at a press briefing at Bargarh Town police station, SDPO Padarabinda Tripathi stated that the accused were actively engaged in illegal drug distribution at the time of interception.
Police added that further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband and determine whether the suspects are part of a larger drug trafficking network in the region.
