Jharsuguda Police Seize 23,640 Bottles of Illegal Codeine Cough Syrup; Two Interstate Drug Traffickers Arrested
Bureau, Odishabarta
Jharsuguda, August 3: In a major crackdown under the NASHAMUKT ABHIYAN ODISHA campaign against narcotic drug trafficking, Jharsuguda Police have seized a commercial quantity of illegal Codeine-based cough syrup and arrested two alleged interstate drug traffickers during a well-coordinated operation carried out by Badmal Police.
The operation was conducted in connection with Badmal Police Station Case No. 283 dated August 3, 2026, registered under Sections 21(c) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
According to police, the action was launched following reliable intelligence that a truck carrying a large consignment of illegal Codeine-based cough syrup would arrive near a fly ash brick factory at Tumbekela under Badmal Police Station limits. Acting swiftly, police formed a special team and conducted the raid after complying with all mandatory legal procedures under the NDPS Act. The search was carried out in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.
At around 11:00 a.m., the police intercepted a Tata Truck (Registration No. OD-09A-4122) along with a Hyundai Creta (Registration No. JH09AF5254) near Tumbekela. Two persons travelling with the vehicles were detained and informed of their legal rights before the search was conducted.
During the operation, police recovered 197 sealed cartons containing 23,640 bottles of WINCEREX Codeine Phosphate and Triprolidine Hydrochloride Cough Syrup, each bottle containing 100 ml of the formulation. The total quantity seized was 2,364 litres, which falls under the commercial quantity category as defined under the NDPS Act.
The arrested accused have been identified as:
Mohammad Ahsan Ahmed (38), son of Md. Sharafuddin, a resident of Darjibigha village under Madanpur Police Station in Aurangabad district of Bihar.
Rijwan Ansari (28), son of Md. Nazir, a resident of Aliganj village under Barabani Police Station in Bardhaman district of West Bengal.
Apart from the narcotic substance, police also seized:
23,640 bottles of WINCEREX Codeine Phosphate & Triprolidine Hydrochloride Cough Syrup packed in 197 sealed cartons.
One Tata Truck (OD-09A-4122) used for transporting the contraband.
One Hyundai Creta (JH09AF5254).
Cash amounting to Rs.2,44,000.
One Apple iPhone 16.
One OPPO A5 Pro mobile phone.
During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed that the contraband had been procured from Jagannathpur in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, without any valid purchase documents and was being transported for illegal distribution for unlawful financial gain.
Police have arrested both accused and produced them before the competent court. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband, identify the interstate supply network, ascertain its intended destination, and apprehend other persons involved in the racket.
Jharsuguda Police reiterated their commitment to intensifying the fight against narcotics trafficking and appealed to the public to share credible information regarding illegal drug-related activities to assist law enforcement agencies in curbing the menace.
