11 held in Kandhamal drug crackdown

Berhampur: Kandhamal police on Tuesday busted a drug trafficking syndicate and arrested 11 persons, including the supplier, and seized over 22 kg of ganja and 7.75 g of brown sugar worth around Rs 3 lakh.

They also seized two bikes and seven mobile phones.Police said a patrolling team found 10 persons gathered near a cremation ground under Phulbani Town police station limits and recovered the contraband after verification. The accused were allegedly planning to transport the drugs to other areas. “During interrogation, the accused revealed the identity of the supplier and alleged kingpin in Phulbani town, who was later arrested,” said Kandhamal SP Ramendra Prasad.

tnnThe accused are from villages under Phulbani Town, Tikabali and Gochhapada police station limits. Police said further investigation is on to trace the source of the drugs and intended supply routes. The SP said the drive against drug trafficking and storage in the district will be intensified.