The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs held its 5th State-Level Meeting at Lok Seva Bhavan, Bhubaneswar, chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, focusing on strategies to curb illegal drug trafficking and promote a Drug-Free India.
The meeting saw participation from senior officials of the Home Department, Police Administration, Narcotics Control Bureau, Excise Department, and representatives from law enforcement agencies like the Navy, Railways, Border Security Force, and paramilitary forces.
The discussions revolved around
- Strengthening coordination between various agencies to combat drug smuggling.
- Raising awareness through educational institutions on substance abuse prevention.
- Identifying and destroying illegal cannabis cultivation using satellite imagery and ground surveys.
- Promoting alternative livelihoods for farmers engaged in illegal drug cultivation.
Major Outcomes of the Meeting
- Strict law enforcement actions led to the seizure of 1,37,761 kg of cannabis and 37 kg of heroin in 2024.
- Over 62,383 individuals pledged to avoid drug use through e-governance platforms.
- The Higher Education Department issued directives to all universities to conduct anti-drug awareness campaigns.
- Destruction of cannabis cultivation tripled, reaching 27,721 acres in 2024-25 compared to 10,320 acres in 2023-24.
- Plans to establish an NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Court in Odisha for the swift prosecution of drug-related crimes.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reiterated the Odisha government’s commitment to a drug-free India, ensuring strict measures to restrict illegal drug access and enhance public awareness. He urged district collectors and police superintendents to regularly monitor and take action against drug-related activities.
The National Narcotics Helpline – 1933 continues to assist citizens in reporting drug-related incidents, further strengthening the state’s efforts against narcotics abuse.
With rigorous enforcement, alternative livelihood promotion, and widespread awareness campaigns, Odisha moves closer to achieving its vision of a drug-free society.
