Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has achieved major success in its ongoing “Nisha Mukta Odisha” campaign against drug trafficking and narcotics trade across the state over the past few days.
In intelligence-based special raids conducted in different districts, police seized huge quantities of ganja and other narcotic substances. Significant success was recorded, particularly in Gajapati, Subarnapur, and Bargarh districts.
In Gajapati district, police from R. Udayagiri and Adaba police stations conducted continuous raids over the past few days in the areas under Kirama, Sambalpur, Keshariguda, and Raipanka gram panchayats. A total of 21 raids were carried out in these areas, leading to the seizure of nearly 21 metric tonnes of ganja.
The estimated market value of the seized contraband is around Rs 21 crore. Police arrested seven accused persons in connection with the case, while 10 to 12 other accused are still absconding. Three vehicles used in the crime were also seized.
Similarly, major success was achieved in Subarnapur district during a special drive against narcotics and illegal liquor trade in the Ulunda police station area. Acting on information regarding illegal ganja and country liquor trade in Guja village, police conducted a raid and seized 1 quintal, 58 kg, 500 grams of ganja.
According to official estimates, the seized ganja is valued at around Rs 15.85 lakh. Police also seized 200 litres of illegally brewed mahuli liquor and destroyed nearly 5,000 litres of fermented mahuli wash.
In another major operation, police in the Jharbandh police station area of Bargarh district achieved significant success against ganja smuggling. On the night of May 5, while carrying out routine patrolling, Paikmal police personnel searched a truck in the Jharbandh area and seized 1,914 kg of ganja. Police arrested five accused persons in connection with the case, while further investigation is underway to identify and trace other persons involved. Three vehicles used in the crime were also seized.
It is noteworthy that Odisha Police is conducting a statewide coordinated campaign to completely eradicate ganja cultivation and narcotics trade. Acting on the directions of Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, strict measures are being implemented at the grassroots level. The Odisha Police is following a “zero tolerance” policy against the narcotics trade, and the DGP has stated that such operations will be intensified further in the coming days.
