Bhubaneswar, 04 October (H.S.): Odisha Police has intensified its crackdown on criminals and anti-social elements under the special ‘Daman’ drive launched across the state ahead of the festive season.

The campaign, initiated on September 21 on the directions of DGP Vinaytosh Mishra, is being conducted through coordinated efforts of district police, Commissionerate Police, Railway Police and other police units to ensure peace, law and order and public safety, besides curbing the illegal trade of drugs and liquor.

During the drive, 1,448 non-bailable warrants (NBWs) were executed, while proceedings were initiated against 1,012 persons under Section 129 of the BNSS.

As part of the anti-drug campaign, 89 NDPS cases were registered and 109 persons arrested. Police seized around 8.13 tonnes of ganja, destroyed 19,387 cannabis plants, and recovered 394.645 grams of brown sugar and 1,066 bottles of cough syrup.

In action against violations of the Excise Act, 1,707 cases were registered and 140 persons arrested. Seizures included 10,298.24 litres of illicit country liquor, 2,922.409 litres of foreign liquor and 1,092.54 litres of Aska-40, besides 800 kg of fermented wash and 81 litres of mahuli liquor.

Police also registered 46 gambling cases, arresting 67 persons and seizing Rs 4,36,086. In cases relating to forcible collection of money, 16 cases were registered, 12 persons arrested and Rs 10,520 recovered.

Six cases were registered against illegal arms, ammunition and explosives. Police seized five firearms, one revolver, four rounds of ammunition, one magazine, two empty cartridges, 2.5 kg of gunpowder and two swords.

In addition, seven cases of organised crime were registered and 18 persons arrested.

To monitor the movement of criminals and anti-social elements and prevent the transportation of illegal drugs, liquor, arms and other prohibited items, police conducted 1,830 blocking and border-sealing operations across the state. Checking was intensified on inter-district and inter-state routes.

DGP Vinaytosh Mishra said police action would continue in the coming days to ensure peace, security and a safe environment for people during the festive season, while further strengthening crime control and preventive policing across Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda