Was a Drug Peddler Sentenced to 10 Years in Bhubaneswar?
Synopsis
In a significant ruling, a drug peddler was sentenced to 10 years in Bhubaneswar for his role in the illegal drug trade. This case highlights the ongoing battle against narcotics in Odisha.
Key Takeaways
Prakash Sethy sentenced to 10 years for drug peddling.
Seized 330 grams of brown sugar at arrest.
Conviction highlights ongoing fight against narcotics in Odisha .
Swift judiciary response in drug-related cases.
Importance of law enforcement in tackling drug trade.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 11 (NationPress) A local court in Bhubaneswar has sentenced a drug peddler to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment after he was found guilty of his involvement in the illegal drug trade, as stipulated by the NDPS Act. The convict, a 31-year-old identified as Prakash Sethy alias Pappu from Keonjhar district, has also been ordered to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh. Should he fail to settle this fine, he will face an additional one-year imprisonment.
According to Special Public Prosecutor Rashmiranjan Brahma, on May 21, 2025, while Sethy was allegedly dealing with contraband brown sugar on the Hi-tech–Bankuala road under the jurisdiction of Badagada Police Station in Bhubaneswar, he was apprehended by a team from the Special Task Force of the Odisha Crime Branch. A search revealed 330 grams of brown sugar in his possession.
Reports indicate that Sethy had acquired the brown sugar from Balasore and was en route to distribute it to local drug dealers in Bhubaneswar on that date.
The State Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed through chemical analysis that the seized substance was indeed brown sugar (diacetylmorphine/heroin).
Following an extensive investigation, a chargesheet was filed against Sethy under Section 21(c) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
After reviewing the testimonies of nine prosecution witnesses and examining 32 exhibits, the court ultimately convicted Sethy of the crime.
Notably, sources from the STF indicated that this marks the first conviction in Odisha where an accused has been sentenced within two months of charges being framed.
Additionally, another drug peddler, Ashok Kumar Behera from Balasore, was handed a 10-year imprisonment sentence by a court in Bhubaneswar last month in a separate case.
In that instance, on November 7, 2021, Behera was reportedly caught trading in over 1 kg of contraband brown sugar at Nayabazar in Balasore, having sourced the substance from the Jaleswar area.
Point of View
I believe this conviction emphasizes the urgent need for stringent measures against drug trafficking. The judicial system's swift action in this case should serve as a warning to others involved in the narcotics trade, reinforcing our commitment to public safety and the rule of law.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Prakash Sethy found guilty of?
Prakash Sethy was found guilty of involvement in the illegal drug trade under the NDPS Act.
What is the sentence given to Prakash Sethy?
He was sentenced to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment.
What fine was imposed on Prakash Sethy?
He was ordered to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
What was recovered from Sethy at the time of his arrest?
330 grams of contraband brown sugar were recovered from his possession.
What is significant about this case in Odisha?
This is the first case in Odisha where an accused has been convicted within two months of the charges being framed.
