Bhubaneswar, Odisha : In a decisive move against drug abuse and trafficking, the Odisha government will launch a statewide anti-drugs campaign from September 1. The decision was finalized at a high-level meeting chaired by Law, Excise and Public Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan at Lok Seva Bhavan, with senior officials from police, excise, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in attendance.
The Minister stressed that the campaign will target drug consumption, illegal trafficking, and organized networks operating across cities, including Bhubaneswar. A special enforcement drive named “Operation Prahar” will be carried out by the Special Task Force (STF) in coordination with excise, police, and NCB officials. Offenders will face strict legal action under the PIT-NDPS Act and CrPC provisions to ensure long-term deterrence.
Harichandan announced that every district will have at least one model de-addiction center, while educational hubs like Bhubaneswar will see intensified raids near campuses to protect students from drug abuse. He highlighted that narcotics are fueling criminal activities and called for full coordination among departments, along with the use of modern technology to curb trafficking.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja pledged administrative support to strengthen the campaign, stressing that drug abuse not only fuels crime but also poses a serious social threat. The government aims to create a drug-free Odisha, with Bhubaneswar as a model city.
Senior officials including Excise Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, STF IG Dr. Sarthak Sadrangi, Excise Commissioner P. Anvesha Reddy, NCB Regional Director Kuldeep Sharma, and Bhubaneswar-Cuttack ACP Narsingh Behera attended the meeting.
The state government will also intensify surveillance on trafficking routes and deploy specialized task forces to dismantle smuggling syndicates. By combining law enforcement with rehabilitation measures, Odisha is set to adopt a holistic approach to curb narcotics consumption.
The campaign aligns with the state’s commitment to building a safe, healthy, and drug-free society, ensuring that youth and future generations are shielded from the destructive impact of drugs.
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