The frequent raids by the enforcement agencies and massive seizures of drugs have failed to make a dent on smuggling and peddling of brown sugar in Baleswar district, particularly in the Jaleswar area. In a raid on Thursday, Excise Department personnel seized 150 gram of brown sugar worth around Rs 15 lakh at Chalanti Square in Jaleswar along National Highway-16.Two persons, including a woman, were arrested in this connection and the car in which they were transporting the contraband was also confiscated. Some incriminating materials were also recovered from their possession. A case has been registered against the duo under Sections 21 (C) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985.
"Further investigation into the incident is underway. The accused will be forwarded to the court soon," said an excise official. Notably, over 2.5 kilogram of the brown sugar has been seized from the Jaleswar area and as many as five persons including two women were arrested in this connection in the last 10 days.