Bhubaneswar, Sep 11: In a sweeping crackdown on narcotics, Odisha Police has launched “Operation Prahar” across all districts, aiming to make the state drug-free and dismantle illegal drug networks.

Acting on the state government's directive, the operation began on September 1 and has already yielded significant results.

Between September 1 and 7, police conducted coordinated raids across multiple locations, seizing large quantities of contraband. A total of 110 cases were registered, and 157 accused were arrested.

Among the seizures were 4808 kg of ganja, 2374 grams of brown sugar, and 3052 bottles of cough syrup, all linked to illicit drug trafficking.

The crackdown included: 72 cases related to ganja smuggling with 93 arrests; 27 cases involving brown sugar, leading to 45 arrests; 19 individuals arrested for illegal cough syrup distribution.

Additionally, 70 individuals were booked under BNSS Section 129, and three shops involved in drug trade were permanently shut down.

This aggressive enforcement is part of a broader strategy to curb drug abuse and its associated crimes. The police have vowed to continue the momentum, with support from excise and intelligence departments.