Odisha Police have launched a comprehensive crackdown code-named ‘Operation DAMAN’ to neutralise anti-social elements, curb illicit drug syndicates, and maintain peace and security across the state.
Initiated on September 21 under the direct order of Director General of Police (DGP) Vinaytosh Mishra, the special drive involved coordinated efforts from District Police units, the Commissionerate Police, Railway Police, and specialised police formations.
Massive Blow to Drug and Liquor Syndicates
The drive targeted illicit narcotics and contraband networks across districts, registering 89 cases under the NDPS Act and leading to the arrest of 109 individuals. During the drive, police seized:
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8.13 tons of contraband cannabis (Ganja)
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19,387 cultivated cannabis plants destroyed
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394.645 grams of brown sugar
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1,066 bottles of banned codeine cough syrup
In tandem, police launched strict actions against illegal alcohol bootlegging, registering 1,707 excise violation cases and arresting 140 offenders. Law enforcement confiscated 10,298.24 litres of illicit country liquor, 2,922.409 litres of foreign liquor, 1,092.54 litres of Aska-40, along with 800 kg of fermenting wash (Pocha) and 81 litres of Mahuli.
Tightening the Noose on Crime and Extortion
To ensure safe public spaces during the festivities, police focused heavily on execution of pending court processes and preventive policing:
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1,448 Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs) were executed.
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Preventive proceedings were initiated against 1,012 individuals under Section 129 of the BNSS.
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46 gambling cases were registered, resulting in 67 arrests and cash seizures worth Rs 4,36,086.
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16 extortion cases were booked, leading to 12 arrests and Rs 10,520 in seized cash.
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7 organised crime cases were filed, with 18 habitual criminals taken into custody.
Seizure of Arms and Enhanced Border Vigilance
Addressing illegal weapons, police registered 6 firearms cases, seizing 5 guns, 1 revolver, 4 live rounds, 1 magazine, 2 empty cartridges, 2.5 kg of gunpowder, and 2 swords.
To restrict the movement of criminals and block contraband transit routes, police carried out 1,830 blocking and border-sealing operations across inter-district and inter-state border checkpoints.
DGP Vinaytosh Mishra reiterated that proactive and preventive policing measures will continue rigorously in the coming days to guarantee a safe, crime-free environment for citizens during the festivities.
