Jeypore, Jan 28: Despite Odisha’s blanket ban on gutkha and other tobacco-laced food products, Jeypore town in Koraput district has emerged as a hotspot for illegal sales, the locals alleged on Wednesday. 

The government’s order prohibits the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale, and consumption of gutkha, pan masala, zarda, khaini, and similar products containing nicotine.

Yet in Jeypore, a bustling commercial hub, gutkha packets of popular brands are openly sold at local shops. Residents allege that traders are exploiting the restrictions, charging inflated prices and turning the ban into a lucrative black-market business.

Community voices have raised alarm over the unchecked trade. Lawyer Tarini Panigrahi welcomed the government’s decision but stressed that “strict enforcement is needed to curb black marketeers.” Senior citizen Pramod Kumar Panda echoed the concern, calling for immediate arrests of violators.

Political leaders have also weighed in. Gautam Samantaray, senior BJP leader and State executive member, warned that the government would act decisively against those obstructing welfare measures. He emphasized that gutkha addiction has devastated countless families, and offenders would face severe consequences.

Residents point out that similar bans in the past remained largely ineffective due to weak enforcement. This time, however, authorities have promised tougher action. While locals welcome the renewed crackdown, they demand visible measures against traders openly defying the law.

The situation highlights the broader challenge of implementing public health directives in smaller towns, where enforcement mechanisms often falter. For Jeypore, the fight against gutkha sales will serve as a crucial test of the government’s resolve to protect community health and welfare.