Bhubaneswar, 6 December (H.S.): Odisha has seized a massive quantity of narcotics over the past four years, including 1346.65 quintals of ganja and 124.992 kg of brown sugar, Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed the State Assembly on Saturday.
Responding to a question from MLA Ramesh Chandra Behera, Harichandan presented year-wise data on drug seizures in the state. In 2022–23, authorities seized 42,866 kg of ganja and 32,826 grams of brown sugar. This was followed by 34,640 kg of ganja and 34,425 grams of brown sugar in 2023–24. The figures for 2024–25 stood at 34,679 kg of ganja and 28,574 grams of brown sugar, while in 2025 (up to November), 22,480 kg of ganja and 29,167 grams of brown sugar were confiscated.
Harichandan said the state government has intensified its crackdown on narcotics by conducting regular raids through Excise Department officials, arresting offenders and registering criminal cases against them. He added that awareness initiatives are being carried out to curb substance abuse, including campaigns under the banner “Ama Sankalpa, Nisa Nuhen, Jiban”, along with workshops and cultural programmes to educate communities on the harmful effects of addiction.
The minister further stated that the government observes June 26 as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, organising awareness meetings in schools and colleges to sensitise students on the dangers of drug use.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
