In a decisive move to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse, trafficking, and illegal sales, the Odisha government has announced a special campaign targeting all cities, including the capital, Bhubaneswar.
The initiative was finalised during a high-level meeting chaired by State Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan at Lok Seva Bhawan today.
The campaign, set to commence on September 1, aims to curb the consumption, smuggling, and sale of drugs and other narcotic substances across the state.
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, representatives from the police administration, Excise Department, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
Minister Harichandan directed all relevant departments to launch a coordinated crackdown on illegal drug activities. A Special Task Force (STF), in collaboration with the Excise Department, NCB, and BMC, will spearhead “Operation Prahar” to make Bhubaneswar a drug-free city.
The campaign will also extend to all districts, with instructions to apprehend smuggling networks and their masterminds. Legal measures, including provisions under the NDPS Act and CrPC Section 110 (BNSS-129), will be enforced against professional criminals involved in the illicit trade.
To support rehabilitation efforts, the state government plans to establish at least one model de-addiction centre in every district. Special attention will be given to educational institutions in Bhubaneswar, with intensified raids to prevent drug peddling on campuses.
Minister Harichandan emphasised that drug abuse fuels various criminal activities, necessitating robust action. He urged officials to adopt strategic measures and leverage technology to curb trafficking routes and apprehend drug peddlers.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja highlighted that illegal drug trafficking and substance abuse contribute to various crimes and pose a significant threat to society. He assured full administrative support to ensure the campaign’s success.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the Excise Department Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, IG-CID-CB (Special Task Force) Dr. Sarthak Sarangi, Excise Commissioner P. Anwesha Reddy, NCB Regional Director Kuldeep Sharma, and Bhubaneswar-Cuttack ACP Narasingh Bhol, among others.
