Bhubaneswar, May 24: In a major crackdown to strengthen law and order in the pilgrim town of Shree Kshetra Puri, police have intensified enforcement drives across the Puri City Subdivision during the first five months of 2026.

Between January 1 and May 23, police arrested 278 anti-social elements in connection with various criminal activities.

Addressing a press conference, Pratik Singh briefed the media about the extensive operations and highlighted the action taken against narcotics trafficking and other illegal activities in the holy city.

According to police records:

• Police registered 16 cases related to illegal Corex syrup trafficking, arrested 26 accused persons, and seized 1,233 bottles of the banned cough syrup.
• In the crackdown on brown sugar (heroin) trade, 13 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 28 drug peddlers and the seizure of 488 grams of the narcotic substance.
• Under the Excise Act, police registered 54 cases and arrested 54 individuals for violations linked to illicit liquor activities.
• More than 1,100 people were booked for public drinking at different locations across the city.

Senior police officials said the special drives are aimed at ensuring a peaceful, safe, and crime-free atmosphere for residents, devotees, and tourists visiting Puri. They further asserted that strict enforcement and surprise raids will continue in the coming days to maintain law and order in the temple town.