Odisha Police Seize Chemicals, Drugs in Malkangiri Bust

Odisha Police on Sunday seized around 800 litres of chemicals and solvents allegedly meant for producing hashish oil from a vehicle near Essar Chakk in Malkangiri district.

According to officials, the raid also led to the recovery of nearly 50 kg of marijuana and two litres of hashish oil from the vehicle. The driver, however, managed to flee the spot, and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend him.

Police sources said the seized chemicals were intended to be used for manufacturing the psychotropic substance, raising concerns over illegal drug production activities in the region.

Preliminary investigations suggest that smugglers were planning to set up a hashish oil manufacturing unit in the Chitrakonda area. However, heightened police surveillance reportedly thwarted their plans before the operation could take off.

Authorities have intensified monitoring in sensitive pockets of the district to curb narcotics-related activities, while further investigation is ongoing to identify the network involved.