India, Feb. 3 -- Jaleswar Police arrested ill-reputed drug peddler Sheikh Samiruddin alias Taklu on Monday from Jhadeswar locality in Balasore district. He was captured at a hotel, with the police team seizing brown sugar worth around Rs 30 Lakh from his possession.

Taklu is alleged to be involved in narcotics smuggling from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal, distributing them across Odisha.

Law enforcement has intensified efforts to combat the illegal trade of brown sugar, registering 19 cases and apprehending 25 individuals in the previous year. In the current year, seven individuals have been arrested in four separate cases within a month.

The intelligence department remains vigilant, establishing multiple checkpoi...