Bhubaneswar, Jul 2: The Odisha Police have prepared a comprehensive roadmap to achieve a drug-free Odisha, with plans to establish a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) to intensify the crackdown on drug trafficking and illegal narcotics trade, Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at a programme held at the Police Bhavan in Bhubaneswar during the nationwide Pre-Trial Disposal of Seized Narcotic Drugs Special Campaign, the DGP said the blueprint for constituting the ANTF has been finalized. The task force will be headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP).
The campaign, being conducted under the directions of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), is being observed across the country from June 26 to July 10 to facilitate the scientific disposal of seized narcotic substances.
Addressing the gathering, Khurania said creating a drug-free, safe, and empowered Odisha remains the highest priority of the Odisha Police. He said the state would significantly strengthen its operations against drug trafficking and smuggling in the coming days.
As part of the new strategy, the ANTF will oversee the functioning of 10 operational units and 19 dedicated intelligence units across the state. The police have also set a target of initiating strict action under the NDPS Act against at least 100 major drug traffickers every year.
The DGP further stated that special emphasis would be placed on identifying the masterminds and financiers behind illegal cannabis cultivation. Financial investigations will be intensified to dismantle the networks supporting the illicit drug trade.
To ensure the speedy trial of narcotics-related cases, the Odisha Government has approved the establishment of four dedicated NDPS courts in Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Angul, and Sambalpur.
Alongwith enforcement measures, Odisha Police are also focusing on public awareness during the special campaign. Authorities have set a target of destroying nearly 80 tonnes of cannabis, 11.4 kilograms of brown sugar, and 3,638 bottles of cough syrup at seven authorised incineration centres located in Khordha, Angul, Balasore, Ganjam, Balangir, Koraput, and Sundargarh.
Among those present at the event were Crime Branch Director General Binaytosh Mishra, Inspector General of Police Sarthak Sarangi, and STF DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh, along with other senior police officials.
