The illegal brown sugar trade allegedly operating from Bangladesh to Odisha through West Bengal continues to raise serious concerns. Officials suspect that multiple trafficking routes are being used to circulate narcotics among youths across the state.

From highways and railway lines to waterways, the narcotic substance is allegedly being smuggled into Odisha through an organised network involving middlemen and local mafia operatives. 

Balasore And Jaleswar Under Focus

Officials and local residents suspect that Balasore emerged as a major hub for illegal brown sugar circulation, while Jaleswar near the West Bengal border is allegedly functioning as a key entry point for narcotics entering Odisha.

Questions are also being raised regarding the alleged masterminds operating the network and the middlemen facilitating the movement of narcotics into Odisha markets.

According to sources, narcotics are first transported from Bangladesh to Malda and Murshidabad in West Bengal, areas reportedly referred to by police as “black points”. From there, the contraband allegedly enters Odisha through local trafficking networks operating in Jaleswar.

The smuggling is reportedly carried out through National Highway-60 crossing the Laxmannath Gate, while some fishermen are allegedly used as intermediaries for transporting narcotics through waterways.

Officials and residents pointed out that Balasore district shares borders with nearly 90 villages in West Bengal through around 82 adjoining villages, creating multiple unofficial routes allegedly exploited by traffickers.

Former Addict Reveals Network Details

A youth from Sahadevkhunta in Balasore, who claimed to have consumed brown sugar for nearly 10 years before recovering, spoke about the alleged supply network operating in the district.

“I used to buy pouches from the Aradbazar area of Balasore. Earlier, one pouch used to cost around Rs 100, but now the price has increased to nearly Rs 200 to Rs 300. After undergoing treatment, I completely stopped substance abuse. It has now been four to five years since I started my recovery journey,” he said.

He further alleged that better quality brown sugar was available in Jaleswar, which reportedly resulted in higher demand there.

“We also used to travel to Jaleswar to purchase brown sugar because better quality substance was available there. Dealers used to smuggle the substance and we purchased it from them,” he alleged.

Describing the impact of addiction, he said, “We were always careful not to get caught by police. We only wanted to consume the substance and would somehow arrange money for it. I had committed theft several times to purchase more brown sugar, and so had many of my friends. Some lost their jobs because of addiction. While a few managed to quit, others still continue.”

International Network Suspected

Retired Odisha Police official Kailash Chandra Parida said the geographical proximity of Malda and Murshidabad to Bangladesh made the trafficking route easier for smugglers.

“Murshidabad and Malda are close to Bangladesh, making it easier for traffickers to bring brown sugar into India. This is an international racket. Once the substance enters the country, it eventually circulates through different networks,” he said.

WB BJP Govt To Curb Drug Trafficking?

Questions are now being raised over whether stricter action by authorities in West Bengal will impact the illegal trade route extending into Odisha.

With the BJP government in power in both Odisha and West Bengal, attention turned towards whether stronger coordinated action will be initiated against the alleged Bangladesh-West Bengal-Odisha drug network.

Also Read: Brown sugar worth Rs 2.5 lakh seized in Bhadrak, three including woman held

Meanwhile, Odisha Police has intensified anti-narcotics drives against brown sugar traffickers as concerns continue over the spread of the illegal trade and its impact on youths across the state.