Bhubaneswar: The 5th state-level meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, was held today at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar to review and strengthen the state’s strategy against the illegal trafficking and use of narcotic substances. The meeting was chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.
According to an official press release, top officials including Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Satyabrata Sahu, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Deputy Director General of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Hitesh Godara, and Excise Commissioner-cum Secretary Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar were present.
Senior officials from NCB, state police, Excise Department, district administrations, Paradip Port, Border Security Force, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Indian Railways, Indian Postal Service, and other enforcement agencies also participated.
Officials from the Health and Family Welfare, School and Mass Education, and Higher Education departments were present, with district collectors and SPs joining virtually.
The meeting reviewed the implementation of decisions from the previous NCORD meeting held on April 24, 2024, and assessed the current status of narcotics control efforts in the state. Key issues discussed included the seizure and destruction of narcotic substances, progress in enforcement actions, and coordinated initiatives with central agencies like the NCB.
As per official data, 27,721 acres of illegal cannabis cultivation were destroyed in 2024–25, marking a significant increase from 10,320 acres in 2023–24. These operations were guided by satellite imagery and intelligence inputs. In 2024, authorities seized 1,37,761 kg of cannabis, 37 kg of heroin, and other narcotics from various parts of the state.
To support the nationwide campaign for a drug-free India, over 62,000 individuals have taken anti-drug pledges on the e-Govardhan portal. The Higher Education Department has instructed colleges to conduct pledge drives among students.
DGP Khurania praised the collaboration between the state police and Excise Department in controlling narcotic trafficking and outlined upcoming strategies for 2025–26. The Chief Secretary announced that NDPS courts will be established soon in Odisha to fast-track narcotics-related cases, based on proposals from the state police.
He also stressed the importance of awareness campaigns, alternative crop promotion, and livelihood support programs, particularly in forested areas affected by illegal cannabis cultivation. Ahuja urged all district collectors and SPs to hold regular reviews at the district level and ensure 100% enforcement action against narcotic activities.
The National Narcotics Helpline (1933) and the Manas Portal are currently operational as part of the central government’s integrated support mechanism. The meeting concluded with a renewed call for coordinated, multi-departmental efforts to eliminate drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
