Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Odisha government has intensified its efforts against illegal drugs Odisha following directives from Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja. In a high-level review meeting held at the Lok Seva Bhavan today, the Chief Secretary assessed the current scenario and instructed strict enforcement against drug trafficking, consumption, and related crimes across the state.
Officials from the Excise Department, Police, Higher Education, School & Mass Education, Social Security & Empowerment, and Health & Family Welfare departments participated. Chief Secretary Shri Ahuja emphasized the importance of making schools and college campuses completely drug-free, ensuring students have a safe and secure educational environment.
During the meeting, senior officials presented data showing that up to July 2025, Odisha authorities had seized 1,608 quintals of ganja in 385 cases, arrested 1,162 individuals, and confiscated 799 grams of brown sugar in 142 cases, along with 26,874 bottles of liquid narcotics, opium cultivation across 27,722 acres, and hundreds of cases of illicit drug trade.
The Chief Secretary directed strict, coordinated action against all illegal drug supply chains, including heroin and high-value marijuana entering Odisha from neighboring states and international sources. Special attention was also given to urban areas like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack where drug-related crimes and usage are reportedly rising.
To reinforce enforcement, independent task forces have been instructed to conduct raids, monitor drug trafficking hotspots, and coordinate with local police, excise officials, and community organizations. Awareness campaigns targeting students, teachers, parents, and local communities will be expanded, with emphasis on creating drug-free campuses, zero-tolerance policies, and safe educational environments.
Tourist and cultural sites such as Puri, Konark, and Chilika have also been highlighted for preventive measures, including monitoring for illegal production or circulation of narcotics, given their high visitor density. The Chief Secretary stressed that inter-departmental coordination is essential for effective surveillance, prevention, and eradication of illegal drugs.
Officials discussed methods to prevent ganja cultivation in forested areas, dismantle organized trafficking networks, and use modern surveillance and intelligence tools for monitoring. The meeting also outlined public engagement strategies to raise awareness of the dangers of drug abuse and its negative social, economic, and health impacts.
Chief Secretary Shri Ahuja highlighted that illegal drugs Odisha pose serious threats to youth, law and order, and the state’s overall socio-economic stability. The government’s mission is to strengthen enforcement, empower communities, and ensure comprehensive measures for prevention, awareness, and rehabilitation.
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