Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over loss of lives and money due to illegal drugs and narcotics, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan today called for joint efforts to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal of Nasha Mukt Bharat.
Presiding over a virtual meeting of Excise Officers of all districts today, the Minister said youth are ruining their bright future by falling into drug trap and Excise Department along with people of the state must work together to check the menace.
In order to achieve the goal set by the Chief Minister and Odisha Government to eradicate illegal drug trafficking, a large-scale crackdown will be carried out like last two years, he said. Where necessary, cooperation of police and district administration will be taken.
With festive season approaching, there is possibility of rise in illegal drug and criminal activities. Keeping this in view, the special crackdown campaign to be held from October 10 to 31 will be intensified based on intelligence inputs, the Minister said.
He directed all District Excise Officers to collect strong evidence to ensure strict punishment against criminals in courts and not to succumb to any pressure during raids. He advised to adopt zero tolerance policy towards habitual offenders. Minister Harichandan thanked all officers for achieving 95% MGEL this year.
Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy presented district-wise details of raids, seizures, vehicles seized, arrests and various programmes being implemented by the department through PPT. Additional Excise Commissioner Rudra Narayan Mohanty, along with Excise Officers of all districts, Zonal Officers and senior officers of the department were present in the meeting
