Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown aimed at curbing drug abuse among youth, the Commissionerate Police’s Special Crime Unit launched simultaneous surprise raids on shops and kiosks located near major educational institutions and university campuses across Bhubaneswar on Monday.
The targeted enforcement drive forms part of an ongoing initiative to keep educational zones free from narcotics and prevent students from falling victim to substance abuse.
According to sources, simultaneous raids were carried out across key educational hubs, including areas under the Infocity, Khandagiri, Tamando, and Bharatpur police limits, with particular focus on shops surrounding major private and government university campuses in the Infocity police station jurisdiction. Spearheaded by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Swaraj Debata alongside officers from the Special Crime Unit and local police stations, tactical teams accompanied by a K9 dog squad thoroughly inspected multiple commercial establishments operating in proximity to schools and colleges.
During the operation, police seized various types of drug paraphernalia, including “Gogo” rolling papers, hookah accessories, and specialized packaging materials commonly used to package and consume illicit substances.
This followed local intelligence and recent anti-narcotics investigations, which revealed that small vendors near student hubs frequently use inconspicuous packaging or mix restricted items with standard goods to evade detection, making targeted K9 inspections and surprise checks vital to enforcing NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) and COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) regulations.
Debata emphasised that enforcement goes hand-in-hand with student awareness. “Our primary focus under NDPS enforcement is targeting vulnerable student areas around educational institutions. We are combining strict enforcement with awareness drives to ensure youth remain safe and stay away from drugs.”
He further noted that appropriate action would be taken and fines imposed based following an investigation.
Meanwhile, police have warned local vendors and shop owners that selling tobacco, contraband, or illegal drug-related items near educational premises will attract strict legal action. Senior officers stated that such surprise inspections will continue across the city as part of sustained efforts to ensure full compliance with government guidelines and maintain safe, substance-free surroundings for students.