The statewide “Special Drive,” launched on May 12, focused on executing pending warrants, apprehending absconders, curbing drug trafficking, dismantling illegal arms networks, preventing illegal mining and strengthening enforcement against drunken driving.
The operation was conducted under the direction of Odisha Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania and supervised by Additional Director General of Police Sanjay Kumar. Police units from all ranges, district headquarters and the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissionerate participated in the campaign.
Dr. Satyajit Naik, Inspector General of Police-DIG, Central Range, Cuttack, said the Central Range recorded the highest number of NBW executions, with 1,519 warrants successfully served during the drive.
As part of the anti-narcotics operation, police registered 97 cases under the NDPS Act and arrested 137 individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking. Raids conducted across the state resulted in the seizure of 7,398 kg of ganja, 586 grams of brown sugar, 220 grams of heroin, 219 litres of cough syrup, and 1,050 bottles of cough syrup. Authorities also confiscated 27 vehicles, 14 mobile phones, three pistols, and cash worth Rs 2.92 lakh, suspected to be linked to the illicit drug trade.
The campaign also saw the registration of 2,154 excise cases. Police initiated proceedings under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) against 957 habitual offenders and 2,620 other individuals.
In a parallel road safety drive, action was taken against 3,293 drunk drivers, with their vehicles seized. Traffic enforcement teams collected fines exceeding Rs 6.46 crore for various violations across Odisha.
The crackdown on illegal mining led to the registration of 654 cases and the arrest of 162 persons. Police seized 878 vehicles, including trucks, tractors, tippers, power tillers, and JCB machines, allegedly used for the illegal transportation of minerals.
Police also registered 29 cases related to cattle smuggling, arrested 13 accused, and rescued 284 cattle from 17 vehicles.
Efforts to curb the illegal arms trade resulted in the registration of 31 cases, the arrest of 35 individuals, and the seizure of 39 firearms along with 29 live rounds of ammunition.
Among all police ranges, the South-Western Range in Koraput recorded the highest ganja seizure, with 3,171 kg confiscated during the operation. The Central Range, Cuttack, emerged as the top-performing range in the execution of non-bailable warrants.
DGP Khurania said Odisha Police would continue to conduct similar special drives against organised crime syndicates and illegal mafias to strengthen public safety and maintain law and order across the state.
