Bhubaneswar: A suspected drug peddler was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Rengali area of Sambalpur district on Sunday morning as part of the ‘Nasha Mukt Odisha Abhiyan.’
Police claimed to have seized a large quantity of codeine-mixed cough syrup, a country-made pistol and two cars during the special operation.
Sources said a team from Rengali police station was conducting patrolling when it received information that a large quantity of codeine-based cough syrup was being transported in two cars from Kataka side towards Katarbaga-Thelkoloi area via the Jangla forest route.
Acting promptly, the police team proceeded to Jangla village and started checking on the Jangla-Pandoloi road. Two cars were observed approaching from the direction of Jangla village. The police team intercepted the first vehicle and apprehended its driver, identified as Ashutosh Mendali. Another occupant of the vehicle fled into the nearby jungle.
The second car was travelling behind the first vehicle at high speed. It failed to negotiate the narrow road and collided with a roadside tree. As police personnel approached, the driver, identified as Pritam Biswal, fired at the police personnel while trying to flee.
After issuing warnings to stop, the police team responded with controlled fire in self-defence when the threat continued. The accused sustained a gunshot injury to his right leg during the exchange of fire and was immediately shifted to CHC, Rengali for medical treatment.
During inspection of the vehicles, police recovered 20 cartons of Winrex codeine-based cough syrup from one car and 4 cartons from another.
Police also recovered one country-made 9mm pistol and seven empty cartridges from the spot. The exact number of bottles, total quantity and composition of the seized cough syrup are being verified.
Further investigation is underway to determine the source, supply chain and intended destination of the codeine-based cough syrup, the involvement of other persons and the identity of the person who fled into the jungle.