Sonepur Police Crack Down on Illegal Firearms and Cough Syrup Trafficking, Three Arrested
Subarnapur, Odisha: Police in Odisha’s Subarnapur district have intensified enforcement against the illegal movement of firearms and suspected misuse of pharmaceutical substances, carrying out two separate operations that resulted in the arrest of three people and the seizure of a pistol, ammunition and hundreds of bottles of cough syrup.
The operations were conducted by police teams in Sonepur and Tarva areas following information about suspected illegal activities.
Pistol and Ammunition Recovered Near Baidyanath Bridge
In the first operation, Sonepur police reportedly acted on information about the alleged illegal sale and movement of firearms near Baidyanath Bridge. A police team reached the area and launched a search operation.
Police said several individuals were present at the location when the team arrived. Two people allegedly escaped, while officers detained a 23-year-old man identified as Satyaram Chaulia, a resident of Hardokhol village under Sonepur police station limits.
During the search, officers allegedly recovered a pistol along with a magazine and three live rounds bearing the marking “K.F. 7.65”.
Authorities said Chaulia was unable to provide a valid licence or other legal documentation authorising possession of the firearm and ammunition. Police subsequently registered a case in connection with the alleged illegal possession under Section 25(1-AA) of the Arms Act.
Officers also seized ₹10,000 in cash and an iPhone 17 mobile phone during the operation.
Police stated that during questioning, the arrested man allegedly provided information about suspected firearm sales and trafficking. Investigators also said the weapon was allegedly linked to intimidation during incidents described as robbery and dacoity. These allegations remain subject to the ongoing investigation and judicial process.
The accused is expected to be presented before the court as investigators continue efforts to establish the source of the firearm and determine whether other people were involved in the alleged network.
600 Bottles of Cough Syrup Seized in Tarva
In a separate action, Tarva police intercepted two people following information about the suspected transportation of cough syrup at Dunguripali Square.
According to police, the operation led to the recovery of 600 bottles of WINCIREX cough syrup. The two detained individuals were identified as Debendra Patra, 30, and Satyajit Patra, 32. Both are residents of Baladi village and are reportedly sons of Lalit Patra.
Police said the two men were unable to produce the required documents concerning the possession and transportation of the pharmaceutical product.
A case was registered under Sections 21(b) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the consignment, including its intended destination and possible source.
Both accused persons are scheduled to appear before the court as the investigation proceeds.
Police Step Up Action Against Illegal Activities
The two cases highlight continued police action in Subarnapur against activities involving unauthorised firearms and suspected illegal movement of substances regulated under the law.
Investigators in both cases are expected to examine the wider connections, sources and intended destinations associated with the seized items. Further legal action will depend on the findings of the investigation and proceedings before the court.
Police have also continued efforts to identify any additional individuals who may have been connected with the activities under investigation.
