Bhubaneswar, July 28: In a major crackdown on illegal drug activity, the Special Crime Unit of the Commissionerate Police on Monday conducted marathon raids across multiple locations in Bhubaneswar, targeting unauthorized ganja (cannabis) trade operating from small shop cabins and betel stalls.

The operation focused on areas near educational institutions, including medical and engineering colleges, where ganja was allegedly being sold discreetly to students. Vendors reportedly used cigarette packets and paper wraps to conceal the substance, often referring to it with code names like “Gogo,” “Baba,” and “Special” to avoid detection.

The raids, led by Commissioner of Police S. Dev Datta Singh, were concentrated in the Khandagiri region and surrounding zones such as Patrapada and Sijua. During the operation, police seized large quantities of packed ganja, foil papers, chillums, and other drug paraphernalia.

A young woman attempted to flee during one of the raids but was apprehended for questioning.

According to officials, the ganja network was being supplied by peddlers from neighboring districts and distributed through small-time vendors operating near college campuses. The Commissionerate Police confirmed that this was part of a broader anti-drug initiative aimed at dismantling narcotics networks disguised as legitimate businesses.

Commissioner Singh emphasized that the crackdown would intensify in the coming days, with a focus on eradicating drug trade from urban centers and protecting youth from substance abuse. The police are also working to identify repeat offenders and trace supply chains to their source.

This operation marks a significant step in Bhubaneswar’s fight against narcotics and highlights the growing concern over drug availability near educational institutions.

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