Special Squad targets suspected drug fronts near schools and commercial hubs
Bhubaneswar police on Monday carried out multiple surprise raids on betel shops and roadside stalls in Patia, Jagamara and adjoining areas under the Infocity police limits, recovering numerous packets of ganja and ganja‑mixed cigarettes, officials said.
The operations, conducted by the city’s Special Squad with support from sniffer dogs, were prompted by suspicion that certain paan shops were being used as fronts to distribute narcotics, particularly targeting students and young people frequenting educational and commercial corridors.
- Raids were held in Patia, Jagamara and adjoining areas under Infocity police limits.
- Police teams employed sniffer dogs and surprise searches of cupboards, boxes and corners at stalls.
- Recovered material included ganja packets concealed among pan, tobacco, chewing gum and water bottles; some illicit cigarettes were reportedly mixed with ganja.
Police personnel personally inspected shop counters and storage areas, locating hidden packets inside cupboards and other concealment spots, according to an official release. Similar inspections in Jagamara yielded further recoveries.
"This operation is part of the capital’s anti‑drug campaign aimed at making Bhubaneswar nisha‑mukt," the statement said.
Samples of the seized material have been forwarded for forensic testing, and officials said strict legal action would follow against those found responsible. Authorities described the scale of recoveries as indicative of a potentially organised network operating under the cover of ordinary paan and refreshments outlets.
Context and likely impact on sensitive zones
Patia and Jagamara are home to several colleges, coaching centres and IT and commercial establishments; the Infocity area also attracts students and young professionals. The discovery of concealed narcotics in these neighbourhoods raises concerns about the ease of access to ganja in areas classed as sensitive under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) framework.
| Area | Operation detail |
|---|---|
| Patia | Surprise inspections at paan stalls; concealed packets recovered |
| Jagamara | Similar raids with significant seizures |
| Infocity limits | Overall jurisdiction for the coordinated action |
Police said the raids form part of sustained surveillance and enforcement to curb drug distribution in the city. Investigators are analysing whether the seized consignments were intended for retail sale to students and young residents or for onward distribution to other parts of the capital.
What residents should know and do
The police have urged citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious sales or shops in their neighbourhoods. As part of the anti‑narcotics effort, officials recommend the following precautions:
- Report unusual activity near educational institutions, hostels or coaching centres to the local police station immediately.
- Parents and guardians should talk to youths about the risks of drug use and report if they suspect classmates or peers are supplying narcotics.
- Shopkeepers and stall owners should ensure their premises are not misused and cooperate with law enforcement during inspections.
Authorities confirmed that regular raids and intensified surveillance will continue across the capital. Forensic reports on the seized material are awaited and will inform subsequent charges and legal proceedings.
Local law enforcement reiterated its commitment to maintaining Bhubaneswar as a drug‑free city and said coordinated civic vigilance would be essential to achieve the stated goal of a "nisha‑mukt" capital.
