Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has intensified its crackdown on criminals, illegal drugs, liquor trade and other unlawful activities ahead of the upcoming festivals through a special campaign named “Daman”.
The drive began on September 21 under the direction of State DGP Vinyatosh Mishra, with district police, commissionerate police, railway police and other police units participating in the statewide operation.
During the drive, police executed 1,448 non-bailable warrants and initiated proceedings under Section 129 of the BNSS against 1,012 people as part of preventive action against criminals and anti-social elements.
The anti-narcotics operation resulted in the registration of 89 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act cases and the arrest of 109 people. Police seized around 8.13 tonnes of ganja, while 19,387 ganja plants were also destroyed. The operation further led to the seizure of 394.645 grams of brown sugar and 1,066 bottles of cough syrup.
Police also stepped up enforcement against illegal liquor activities. A total of 1,707 excise cases were registered, and 140 people were arrested. During the operation, police seized 10,298.24 litres of illicit country liquor, 2,922.409 litres of foreign liquor and 1,092.54 litres of Aska-40. Around 800 kg of pocha (fermented wash) and 81 litres of mahuli liquor were also seized.
The crackdown also covered gambling and forced extortion. Police registered 46 gambling cases and arrested 67 people, recovering Rs 4,36,086. In 16 cases related to forced extortion or chanda collection, 12 people were arrested, and Rs 10,520 was seized.
In another major action, six cases were registered in connection with illegal arms, ammunition and explosives. Police seized five guns, one revolver, four rounds of ammunition, one magazine, two empty cartridges, 2.5 kg of gunpowder and two swords.
Police also registered seven cases against organised crime and arrested 18 people.
To check the movement of criminals and prevent the smuggling of drugs, liquor, arms and other prohibited items, 1,830 blocking and border-sealing operations were conducted across Odisha. Police also intensified checking on inter-district and inter-state roads.
Mishra said police action would continue in the coming days to maintain peace and ensure a safe environment for people during the festival period. The measures are also aimed at strengthening crime control and preventive policing across the state.
