Huge cache of banned cough syrups seized in Odisha, three arrested

Police in Odisha’s Bargarh district have arrested three people for smuggling of codeine-laced Wincerex and Eskuf cough syrup, a banned substance under the Narcotic Drug and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) Act.

Acting upon specific intelligence regarding hoarding and transportation of cough syrup by suspected drug peddlers in the Bisipada area, a raid was conducted and three people were intercepted on Saturday, police said.

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In the presence of an Executive Magistrate and a government witness, a search was conducted, leading to the recovery of 1970 bottles of Wincerex cough syrup and Eskuf cough syrup and 1000 Nitrosun Tablets.

All necessary legal formalities under the NDPS Act were duly followed. The accused persons were taken into custody yesterday and were forwarded to the Court. Later, they were sent to jail after the Court rejected their bail application.

Further investigation is underway to trace the origin of the contraband articles and unearth the broader network involved in the illicit drug trade, said Superintendent of Police, Bargarh, Prahlad Sahai Meena.