Major Drug Bust in Keonjhar: 21 Arrested and 213 Grams of Brown Sugar Seized

Significant Drug Operation in Anandapur

In a significant operation, police in Keonjhar district apprehended 21 individuals and confiscated 213 grams of brown sugar during coordinated raids across various police jurisdictions in the Anandapur sub-division.

Additionally, authorities seized cash amounting to Rs 8.3 lakh and 12 mobile phones from the suspects during these operations.

This information was disclosed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Pratyush Mohapatra during a press conference held at the Ghashipura police station on Thursday.

The ASP emphasized that these arrests are part of a broader initiative aimed at combating the illegal drug trade in the area.

Several locations, including Salapada Hatapadia and Salabani Square, had come under police investigation following numerous complaints regarding drug trafficking.

Following instructions from Superintendent of Police (SP) Nitin Kusalkar Dagdu, a specialized team executed simultaneous raids on Tuesday night within the jurisdictions of Ghasipura, Anandapur, Ramachandrapur, and Nandipada.

All 21 individuals were presented in court on Thursday.

A case (297/2025) has been officially registered at the Ghashipura police station, as confirmed by Anandapur Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Prashant Kumar Behera.

The press briefing also included participation from Sadar SDPO Sudarshan Gangoi and Ghashipura Inspector In Charge (IIC) Manas Ranjan Barik.