In a successful operation, Sambalpur Excise officials arrested Sheikh Sabir, a 36-year-old drug trafficker, with 140 grams of brown sugar worth Rs 14 lakh. The arrest took place on Tuesday morning in the Sunapali area, under the jurisdiction of Dhanupali Police Station, after a night-long surveillance operation.
The accused, Sheikh Sabir, who hails from Sunapali, was caught after a tip-off informed excise officials that he was transporting the illicit drugs from Kolkata to Sambalpur. Sabir was traveling with an accomplice by train, carrying the narcotics from Kolkata. Excise personnel had boarded the same train and were keeping track of his movements. As the train slowed near Fatak in Sambalpur town, Sabir attempted to flee when he noticed the presence of law enforcement. Despite his attempt to escape, excise officers had already anticipated his move and stationed their team in Sunapali to apprehend him.
Sabir was arrested when he returned home around 7 am on Tuesday. His accomplice, however, managed to flee the scene and remains at large.
According to Asit Kumar Mallick, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Excise), Sabir and his associate frequently traveled to Kolkata to procure brown sugar, which is available at a cheaper price there. The duo then repackaged the raw drug into 40-50 sachets, selling each for around Rs 400-500 in local markets. The drugs they transported were initially purchased for Rs 1 lakh in Kolkata, and were intended to be sold in Sambalpur and nearby areas at a much higher price. The excise officials have confirmed that both Sabir and his associate have a history of involvement in similar crimes.
