Bhubaneswar: The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch has seized around 70 kilograms of brown sugar, 202 grams of cocaine and 750 grams of opium from various places in the state since 2020.

The STF has also seized 113 quintals of ganja/marijuana and arrested as many as 170 illegal drug dealers/ peddlers since 2020.

This was revealed by the STF soon after it seized over 1 kg brown sugar during a raid at Simar-Banki Road near Ostapur village in Khurda district yesterday and arrested an illegal drug dealer in this connection.

The arrested drug dealer has been identified as Suresh Mohapatra, son of Maheswar Mohapatra, of Podadiha under Baghamari police limits in Khurda.

On a tip-off, the STF conducted the raid yesterday night and seized 1.10 kg brown sugar from Mohapatra. The estimated market value of the seized brown sugar is above Rs 1 crore, said an official.

“The accused could not produce any valid document in support of possessing the contraband. We have registered a case in this regard under the NDPS Act 1985. The accused will be produced in the court of Khurda District and Sessions cum Special Judge,” said a police official.

According to sources, Mahapatra used to source brown sugar from Murshidabad area in West Bengal and sell the illegal drug to peddlers in several districts of Odisha.