In a significant operation against the illegal drug trade, Jeypore Town Police arrested three individuals on Tuesday for trafficking pentazocine injections, a potent prescription narcotic often misused as a recreational drug.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Manu Panda (27), Suraj Gupta alias Sonu (28), and Krushna Takri (26). They were apprehended near Dhepaguda and were subsequently presented in court. Authorities seized a substantial quantity of pentazocine injections, along with a scooter used in the illegal activities.
The breakthrough came after Sub-Inspector Rajendra Kumar Pangi conducted a covert surveillance operation, gathering critical intelligence on the gang’s movements over several days. The investigation revealed that the trio was sourcing pentazocine injections from a businessman in Bhubaneswar. They transported the contraband using private buses, with additional supplies procured from local medicine stores at discounted prices. The accused were selling the drugs at inflated rates in Koraput and surrounding areas.
Police officials stated that the illicit trade has contributed to a disturbing rise in substance abuse among local youth. There are also reports of several young women becoming regular users of these narcotic injections, prompting serious concerns about public health.
With the ongoing interrogation, the police have intensified their efforts to dismantle the broader network responsible for the supply chain, with more arrests anticipated in the coming days.
