Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched a special drive to check the consumption, smuggling, and sale of drugs and other intoxicants in all cities, including the capital Bhubaneswar. A high-level meeting chaired by State Law and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan was held to discuss the strategy for the drive, which will commence on September 1.
The meeting, attended by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, senior police officials, Excise Department officials, and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials, among others, decided to launch “Operation Prahar” to make Bhubaneswar a drug-free city. The Special Task Force (STF), Excise Department, NCB, and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation will jointly work to achieve this goal.
The Minister directed the authorities to arrest drug traffickers and impose strict laws, including the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) section and CrPC 110 (BNSS-129) section, to curb the menace. The government will also set up model drug control units in each district to intensify the crackdown.
The Minister emphasised that drug abuse is linked to various crimes and is causing harm to society. He called for special strategies and the use of technology to prevent drug abuse and catch drug dealers. The Chief Secretary assured full cooperation at the administrative level to support the drive.
The meeting discussed measures to prevent drug smuggling through various channels, and raids will be intensified in educational institutions in Bhubaneswar.
