By Biswanath Dash
BHUBANESWAR: On the basis of intelligence input, a raid was conducted by a team of STF, BBSRwith the help of Boudh district police on the side of NH-157 i.e. Charichhak-Phulbaniroad on 17.9.2023 afternoon against illegal dealing/possession of Narcotic Drugs and apprehended one person namely Sanatan Pradhan S/o. Late Narasingh Pradhan ofJhadarajing PS. Puruna Katak Dist. Boudh.
During search contraband Opium weighing 02 Kg 880 gram, Ganja Powder 03Kg 810 gram, Ganja Cigarette 60 Packets and other incriminating materials were recovered and seized from his possession.
The accused person could not produce any valid authority in support of possession of such contraband materials, for which the accused person was arrested and will be forwarded to the court of District & Sessionscum Spl. Judge, Boudh. In this connection STF PS Case No. 20 dated 18.09.2023 U/s18(b)/20(b)(II)(B) of NDPS Act 1985 was registered. Investigation is on.
Similarly during house search of accused person one Deer Skin , One Turtle scale and One boar tusk and other incriminating materials found from his possession. The accused person could not produce any valid authority in support of possession of such wildlife products, for which another case was registered under Wildlife Act vide STFPS Case No. 21 dated 18.9.2023 U/s. 379/411 IPC r/w. Sec. 51 Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972. Investigation is on.
It is pertinent mention here that the accused person was previously working in Forest Department and had taken VRS during the 2008.Special drive against narcotic drugs is continuing. Since 2020, STF has seized more than 72 Kg of Brown Sugar/Heroin, 202 Gram Cocaine and more than 116quintals of Ganja/Marijuana, Opium 3 kg 650 gram including today’s seizure and arrested more than 179 drug dealers/peddlers.
