Bhubaneswar, May 23: Odisha police and district administration have gone into action mode against illegal liquor and drug trade, launching widespread raids in Bhubaneswar and Paradip. The coordinated drive aims to curb open alcohol consumption, antisocial activities, and the sale of banned substances near sensitive areas.

In Port City, Paradip, Jagatsinghpur district administration has intensified its crackdown on liquor dens and public drinking. Complaints had been pouring in about individuals consuming alcohol outside shops and on roadsides, creating nuisance and disorder. Responding to these concerns, District Collector J. Sonal and SP Ankit Verma personally led late-night raids across multiple hotspots. The special drive saw police and officials storming liquor outlets and public spaces, ensuring offenders were booked and fined.

Officials confirmed that the campaign is part of a larger mission to restore peace and order in the city. Sensitive areas were subjected to strict checking, with police warning that such raids will continue until open drinking and illegal liquor trade are completely eliminated.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar witnessed a parallel crackdown led by Commissionerate Police in collaboration with the Health Department, Excise officials, and the Drugs Squad. The special drive, revived after a brief pause, specifically targeted shops selling cigarettes, gutkha, pan masala, cannabis, and bhang within 500 meters of schools and colleges.

Raids were conducted in Jagamara Road and Gandamunda areas, where several pan and stationery shops were found selling banned substances. To deter repeat violations, fines were imposed, with the Drugs Squad collecting ₹5,000 from errant shopkeepers. Authorities emphasized that the campaign is not only punitive but also preventive, aiming to protect students from falling prey to addiction.

Police have also launched awareness programs alongside enforcement, urging communities to cooperate in keeping youth away from harmful substances. The administration has made it clear that the crackdown will intensify in the coming days, with zero tolerance for illegal liquor trade and drug peddling.

This dual-front action in Bhubaneswar and Paradip underscores Odisha’s commitment to tackling substance abuse and maintaining law and order. By combining enforcement with awareness, the authorities hope to create safer urban spaces and shield vulnerable groups, especially students, from the menace of addiction.