Jaleswar: Despite raids and arrests of drug dealers in Balasore, an inter-state drug trafficking racket is slowly becoming active in Jaleswar area while a well-oiled network is spreading its wings all the way from Kolkata to Bhubaneswar via Jaleswar.
According to reports, fringe areas under Jaleswar block have become a breeding ground for drug traffickers. Drug traders from various parts of the state throng eight thatched shanties on the outskirts of Jaleswar town usually after sunset, according to sources.
Miscreants from four bordering districts converge at this spot and get high on drugs. Details of the whole racket are slowly emerging after the arrest of one of the drug traders at Thenga Chhak in Khurda. Police seized brown sugar worth Rs 20 lakh from accused Somnath Bhujbal. In his statement, he admitted to have taken the contraband from Jaleswar.
Balasore police had also seized brown sugar and arrested several persons in the past.
Every day, locals have alleged rampant drug trafficking in Jaleswar area. Local sources said some youths from Kharagpur, Jaleswar, Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta and Rasgobindpur visit these places every day and return by evening.
It is alleged that youths go to eight drug traders to buy the stuff. Rampant drug sale is increasingly affecting a number of youths in the area. There are instances of youths selling their laptops, costly watches, gold jewellery, and other valuables to fuel their addiction.
Police had earlier caught youths on their way to Bhograi, Baliapal, Basta, Raibania, Rasgobindapur, Silang, Rupsa, Dantun and Mohanpur with brown sugar after purchasing it from Jaleswar.
Sources said brown sugar is brought from Kolkata and Kharagpur and stored at some stock points in Jaleswar. From there, the banned stuff is supplied to various places of Orissa.
A few days ago, police arrested one youth here and three in Balasore with brown sugar worth lakhs of rupees. Even some women supply drugs from here to places in West Midnapore, Mayurbhanj and Balasore.
Some of the shanties where such drug racket is operated are located along Subarnarekha river. PNN
