Chief Secretary of Odisha, Anu Garg, chaired the 7th meeting of the State-Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) held at the Lok Seva Bhawan conference hall on Tuesday. The meeting focused on strengthening measures to control drug trafficking, create awareness for building a drug-free society, and improve coordination among various departments and enforcement agencies.

Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary of Home and Information & Public Relations Department Hemant Sharma, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, CID-Crime Branch DG Binayatosh Mishra, Deputy Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Kolkata, and senior officers from different state departments participated in the meeting and shared their suggestions.

During the meeting, the CID-Crime Branch highlighted the progress made in the fight against illegal narcotics. It was informed that between 2024 and 2026, more than 513 metric tonnes of ganja have been seized across Odisha. A total of 3,238 cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 4,534 people. Authorities have also destroyed more than 69,470 acres of illegal ganja cultivation.

The meeting further revealed that over 33 kilograms of brown sugar and more than two lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup have been seized. In a special operation conducted by the Special Task Force (STF) along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border, seven members of an interstate drug trafficking network were arrested, and narcotics worth around Rs 230 crore, including hashish oil and ganja, were recovered.

The Chief Secretary directed officials to take stronger action against drug networks and improve coordination at district levels. She advised that NCORD-related issues should be discussed during meetings with district collectors and stressed the need for faster trials in narcotics cases.

She also emphasized expanding public awareness campaigns, especially among youth, to protect them from drug abuse. The meeting suggested promoting profitable agricultural activities and alternative livelihood opportunities for people involved in illegal ganja cultivation to help achieve the goal of a drug-free Odisha.

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The Odisha Excise Department’s ongoing Enforcement Special Drive has entered its eighth day, delivering a major blow to illicit liquor and narcotics rackets across the State.

Massive Haul in Raids

According to official figures, contraband worth ₹1.21 crore was seized during coordinated raids. Enforcement teams registered 258 cases and arrested 147 persons for their involvement in illegal trade.

Liquor and Raw Material Seized

The operations led to significant recoveries, including:

• 10,362 bulk litres (BL) of illicitly distilled liquor

• 471 BL of duty-paid liquor

• 1,00,060 litres of wash destroyed (used in ID liquor production)

• 7,294 kg of Mohua flower

• 24 kg of Bhang

• 13 vehicles seized

NDPS Act Crackdown

In a parallel drive under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, officials booked eight cases and seized 347 kilograms of ganja.

Zero Tolerance Policy

Officials emphasised that these sustained operations reflect the Department’s Zero Tolerance Policy against illicit liquor and drug trafficking. The intensified drive across districts aims to dismantle illegal supply chains and enforce strict compliance with excise and narcotics laws.

Drive to Continue

The Excise Department confirmed that enforcement action will continue in the coming days with equal intensity, in line with the State Government’s broader goal of achieving an Illicit Liquor and Drug-Free Odisha.

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902 cases, 511 arrests, and contraband worth ₹3.91 Crore seized in just four days

The Excise Department of Odisha has launched a massive state-wide drive against illicit liquor and narcotics, achieving significant success within just four days of intensified operations. The crackdown, conducted between 1st and 4th September, has led to the detection of hundreds of cases, multiple arrests, and high-value seizures.

Major Seizures and Arrests

During this short period, enforcement teams registered 902 cases and arrested 511 persons. The total value of seized contraband stood at ₹3.91 Crore. Notably, 29 cases under the NDPS Act were registered, leading to the seizure of 320 Kg of Ganja and 560 grams of Brown Sugar.

Record-Breaking Day on 4th September

The crackdown reached its peak on 4th September alone, when the department detected 254 cases, arrested 148 persons, and seized illicit liquor and narcotics worth ₹1.39 Crore.
Key recoveries included:

• 84 Kg of Ganja

• 194 grams of Brown Sugar

• 13 Kg of Bhanga

• 840 Kg of Mohua Flowers

• 22 vehicles of various categories

Flying Squad’s Breakthrough Haul

A major highlight of the operation came from the Excise Flying Squad, which seized 194 grams of Brown Sugar worth ₹20.4 Lakh in a single strike. This high-value bust underscores the department’s aggressive approach to dismantling drug supply chains operating across the state.

Zero Tolerance Policy

The Excise Department has reaffirmed its commitment to a zero tolerance stance against illicit liquor and narcotics. Officials emphasized that strict enforcement measures will continue to safeguard public health, law, and order across Odisha.

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