Bhubaneswar: The Special Crime Unit (SCU) of the Commissionerate Police on Tuesday raided multiple shops and suspected drug-sale points near educational institutions in the city and detained three persons, recovering a substantial quantity of suspected ganja and other contraband.
The raids were conducted in areas including Kalpana Square, Chilli Pokhari, Old Station Bazaar and Laxmisagar, as well as behind BJB College, police said. The SCU targeted shops and establishments allegedly involved in the sale of ganja, gutkha and pan masala, particularly those located near educational institutions.
“Today, we conducted raids in areas including Kalpana Square, Chilli Pokhari, Old Station Bazaar, Laxmisagar and behind BJB College. We targeted educational institutions and shops where ganja, gutkha and pan masala were allegedly being sold. So far, we have detained three persons and recovered a substantial quantity of suspected contraband from their possession. After measuring the recovered substances, further legal action will be taken,” a senior police officer said.
During the operation, the SCU also found that some betel shop operators were allegedly concealing drugs inside incense-stick packets. Police recovered packets containing suspected ganja from some of the shops, officials said.
The raids are part of the state government’s ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan’, under which the police have intensified enforcement against the illegal sale and distribution of narcotic substances.
“As part of the ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Abhiyaan’, enforcement will continue regularly. Along with enforcement, we will also undertake awareness activities,” the officer said.
Police said further action would be taken after the seized substances are properly measured and examined.
