The Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Crime Branch has been instrumental in seizing and forfeiting movable and immovable property worth more than Rs 12.85 crore of drug traffickers in several NDPS cases in 2022. This has been approved by the competent authority, Kolkata.
So far, the STF has been successful in launching an intensive crackdown on several illegal activities including narcotics trade in different parts of Odisha.
The STF has so far detected 75 cases and arrested 133 accused persons in 2022. Of the total 133 arrested, highest of three persons arrested are from West Bengal and two each hail from Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar and 1 from Uttar Pradesh.
Senior officials said that of the total 75 cases, 27 cases are related to seizure of NDPS including 22 kg of brown sugar and 2524 kg of ganja (dry cannabis). It is pertinent to mention here that the STF was also successful in seizing 202 grams of cocaine this year in 2022.
It was also for the first time that cocaine was seized in Odisha.
Other Achievements In 2022
Disposal/ Destruction of seized Narcotics Drugs
22 kilograms of brown sugar, 38 quintals of ganja destroyed in the designated incinerator after being certified by courts and strict adherence to procedures and pollution guidelines.
31 Cases of Wildlife
In 2022, the STF seized 14 leopard skins, one Royal Bengal Tiger skin, one leopard skin, nine live pangolins, 22 kilograms of pangolin scale, 14 elephant tusks, two leopard teeth, 29 leopard claws, and 46 live wild parrots.
3 Cases of Arms & Ammunition
The STF seized 14 firearms, 60 ammunition and eight magazines.
Fake Currency
STF seized fake currency with a facevalue of more than Rs 47 lakh.