Odisha Police Uncover Sinister Nexus: Spurious Syrups, Illegal Arms Seized in Massive Bargarh Bust, 15 Arrested

In a resounding victory against organized crime, Odisha Police have shattered a dangerous syndicate operating in Bargarh, unearthing a sinister network involved in the illicit trade of spurious cough syrups and illegal firearms. A massive crackdown led by the state’s Special Task Force (STF) culminated in the arrest of 15 individuals, sending a clear message to those who endanger public health and safety for profit.

The intricate operation, executed with precision and based on robust intelligence, led to a staggering haul.

Authorities seized hundreds of bottles of fake cough syrup, alongside a significant quantity of raw materials and sophisticated equipment used in their clandestine manufacturing. But the revelations didn't stop there; the same criminal enterprise was also found to be dealing in deadly weaponry. Police confiscated no less than 12 country-made pistols and 50 rounds of live ammunition, painting a grim picture of a multi-faceted criminal empire.

Adding to the illicit cache, law enforcement also recovered a substantial sum of over Rs 12 lakh in cash, undeniable evidence of the syndicate’s lucrative and dangerous activities.

The illegal manufacturing unit, meticulously hidden, was operating out of the Barpali area within the Bargarh district, serving as the nerve center for their nefarious operations.

At the heart of this sprawling criminal enterprise was Mohammad Gufran, identified by the STF as the alleged mastermind.

Gufran’s arrest marks a critical triumph for law enforcement, especially given his prior history. He had previously been apprehended by Uttar Pradesh Police for his involvement in a similar, large-scale fake medicine racket, underscoring the persistent and cross-state nature of these dangerous operations.

His continued criminal activities highlight the need for relentless vigilance and inter-state cooperation.

The STF initiated this extensive investigation following credible intelligence inputs about the flourishing illegal business. Their dedicated efforts revealed that this particular syndicate not only produced fake cough syrups but also dabbled in the distribution of other counterfeit medicines, posing a direct threat to the health and well-being of countless unsuspecting individuals.

This latest success by the Odisha STF is part of a broader, sustained campaign against drug peddling and fake medicine rackets across the state.

In recent times, the STF has executed similar high-profile crackdowns in key areas including Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Jharsuguda. These continuous operations underscore the unwavering commitment of Odisha Police to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety and security of its citizens, reinforcing their resolve to bring all those who prey on the vulnerable to justice.