Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police have destroyed more than 64.8 metric tonnes of seized ganja during a statewide special narcotics destruction drive under the ongoing “Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan” (Drug-Free Odisha Campaign), according to an official press release.
The destruction exercise is being carried out as part of the ‘Narcotic Drugs Destruction Fortnight’ from June 26 to July 10 under the direct supervision of the Special Task Force (STF) of the CID Crime Branch.
The release said 64,816.17 kg of seized ganja had been destroyed across the state as of July 2 against a total identified quantity of 78,600.68 kg earmarked for disposal during the special drive. The remaining 13,784.22 kg is scheduled to be destroyed by July 10.
Kandhamal district recorded the highest destruction at 31,445.40 kg, followed by Boudh with 16,127 kg, Malkangiri with 8,969.94 kg, Gajapati with 3,116 kg and Bargarh with 1,306 kg.
According to the press release, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Koraput, Balangir, Mayurbhanj, Bargarh, Balasore, Kendujhar, SRP Rourkela and Sundargarh have achieved their respective targets under the narcotic drugs destruction programme.
The state-level exercise is part of the nationwide ‘National Level Pre-Trial Drug Destruction Special Drive’ launched by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Government of India, from June 26 to July 10 to expedite the destruction of seized narcotic substances before the completion of trial. A programme in this connection was recently held at the Police Headquarters in Bhubaneswar.
According to the release, Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania said Odisha Police would further intensify its crackdown on illegal narcotics trafficking and drug smuggling.
“We will make this campaign against illegal narcotic substances, smuggling, and the drug mafia even more extensive and stringent in the coming days. The Odisha Police will always maintain a zero-tolerance policy against law violators. With coordinated enforcement, use of modern technology, active public cooperation, and strong determination, we are committed to building a drug-free, secure, and empowered Odisha,” the DGP said, as quoted in the release.
