Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of the Odisha Crime Branch conducted a successful raid near Dhauli Stupa on Wednesday, seizing 264 grams of brown sugar and arresting two men suspected of preparing for a drug deal.
The suspects were intercepted following intelligence inputs about illicit narcotics activity on the outskirts of the city under Dhauli Police Station.
The arrested individuals were identified as Pradeep Kumar Patra (38) from Cuttack district and Md. Sahanawaz Hussain (41) from Khordha district. Both failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the contraband and were immediately taken into custody.
Authorities also seized three mobile phones, a TVS Apache motorcycle, and other items during the raid. The mobile phones will be scrutinized for call logs, contacts, and links to drug suppliers, while ownership and usage of the motorcycle are being investigated.
Forensic analysis of the seized 264 grams of brown sugar will be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. Police confirmed that further action is underway to identify any accomplices or the source of the narcotics.
