Sambalpur: The Thelkoloi police seized 620 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup and arrested two persons during a pre-dawn raid in Sambalpur district on Sunday. Two of their associates, however, managed to escape.Police identified the arrested duo as Asish Sahu (20) and Raju Badal (22), both residents of Tileimal village under Thelkoloi police station limits.Acting on a tip-off about the transportation of contraband cough syrup from Sambalpur towards Thelkoloi, a police team intercepted an SUV near Satgochhia Chowk on Volvo Road around 4:55 am on Aug 30.During the search, police recovered 620 bottles of cough syrup (100 ml each). The vehicle used for transportation, three mobile phones and Rs 5,500 in cash were also seized.Investigators suspect the consignment was being transported for illegal sale and distribution in Thelkoloi and nearby areas ahead of the festive season.A case has been registered under Section 21(b) of the NDPS Act at Thelkoloi police station. Efforts are on to trace the two absconding suspects, while further investigation is underway.
