Sonepur: Police conducted a raid at the residence of a fake journalist in Patabhadi area of Sonepur town and seized a huge quantity of cough syrup, ganja, cash and other materials allegedly linked to illegal activities.

The accused, identified as Shashank Mishra, was staying on Haldipali Road in Patabhadi. During the raid, police recovered 164 bottles of Winirex cough syrup, 2.8 kg of ganja, cash worth around Rs 5.5 lakh, a branded air pistol, online payment scanners and a weighing machine from his house.

“Press” stickers used despite mo journalistic work: Police

According to police, Mishra used to move around in bikes and cars carrying “Press” stickers despite allegedly not being engaged in any recognised journalistic work. During the search operation, police also seized a boom microphone and an identity card bearing the name “Suchana Media” from the house.

The ganja was weighed and the cough syrup bottles were counted in the presence of a magistrate. Superintendent of Police Narayan Nayak and Additional SP K K Hariprasad were present during the raid.

Police said the seized air pistol was manufactured by a reputed company and could potentially pose a serious threat despite being an air weapon. Officials added that the pistol would be sent for forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.

Further investigation into the case is underway.