The Directorate of Drugs Control—under the Health and Family Welfare Department of Odisha—in joint coordination with local police authorities, has launched a fortnightly special anti-addiction drive running from October 1 to October 15, 2026.
Led by Assistant Drugs Controllers and Inspectorate Officers, dedicated teams are carrying out extensive inspections across both wholesale and retail drug establishments throughout the state. The primary objective of the campaign is to monitor and verify the procurement, inventory, and legal sale of habit-forming and psychotropic medicines—including Alprazolam, Nitrazepam, Pentazocine, and Tramadol—ensuring they are sold strictly against valid prescriptions issued by registered medical practitioners.
137 Establishments Face Action
According to official reports, multi-agency teams have inspected 220 drug outlets across Odisha to date. Out of these, administrative action has been initiated against 137 establishments for violating the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules.
Major Seizures in Kendrapara, Puri, and Beyond
During a high-stakes raid in Kendrapara district, officials seized 1,100 ampoules of Pentazocine injections alongside other unauthorised medicines and medical devices. The total estimated value of the Kendrapara seizure stands at approximately Rs 9,70,000.
Simultaneously, joint teams targeted unlicensed pharmaceutical outfits operating in Astaranga (Puri district), Jonk (Nuapada district), and various regions across Deogarh district. These operations led to the confiscation of illicit drugs valued at nearly Rs 1,92,000. Formal criminal cases have been registered against all individuals implicated in these illegal operations.
Officials confirmed that the state-wide enforcement drive will continue through mid-October to uphold public health standards and prevent the illegal diversion of restricted psychotropic drugs.
