Operation Prahar: Sambalpur Police launches crackdown on drug network

In a determined effort to tackle the growing drug menace, Sambalpur district police launched Operation Prahar, targeting illegal narcotics trade in the region. Multiple houses in the Sunapali locality under Dhanupali police limits were raided on Tuesday under the supervision of an Additional SP (ASP).

Also Read: Odisha STF launches statewide crackdown on inter-state drug syndicate

Officers from several police stations and a large police force participated in the operation. This area has previously seen repeated drug seizures, with several peddlers already arrested in past crackdowns.

Local women residents, fed up with the rising drug abuse, had previously staged a road blockade, demanding strict action. They alleged that substances like brown sugar, cannabis (ganja), and illicit liquor are being openly sold in the locality.

More disturbingly, the women claimed that not just adults but even children and teenagers are falling prey to addiction and are being drawn into crime.

“Drug peddlers are coming in cars and supplying the contraband item. How long can we raise our voices? Still, we have done a lot to curb the illegal activities,” a woman resident of Sunapali expressed.

Sambalpur Police has vowed to intensify its operations to clean up the region and restore law and order.

“Acting on the directive of the Sambalpur SP, Operation Prahar was launched. Following raids, at least six cases of brown sugar peddling were detected, and the contraband item was seized in Dhanupali locality. Accused men and women have been lodged in jail,” Sambalpur ASP, Srimanta Barik, stated to mediapersons.

“Women residents demand to free the locality from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Hence, we had carried out raids, which will be intensified in the days ahead,” the ASP added.