Padmapur: Unlawful trading of cough syrup is going on rampantly in Bargarh. The district police today launched a drive to curb the illegal activity and detained at least 30 persons in this connection.

A source said that several sedative injections and cough syrups are being purchased from neighbouring Chhattisgarh and brought to Odisha’s bordering areas. The illegal products are in turn sold in most nooks and corners of the district, thereby tempting the youngsters to commit crimes. Many traders have been earning sizable profits from the illegal business of cough syrup. A special squad was earlier formed by Bargarh SP Prahlad Sahai Meena and raids were carried out leading to the crackdown.

Initially, a list of those who were illegally trading cough syrup was prepared. Raids were conducted at several places coming under Jharabandha, Jagadalpur, Melchhamunda, Paikamal, Buden, Gaisilet and Padmapur police limits of Padmapur subdivision. The drive will be intensified in the days ahead.

Notably, in another incident today, a huge cache of cough syrups was recovered and seized by the Town police from two pickup vans near Ganapati Hotel in Bargarh. A detailed probe is underway.