Phulbani –13th Sept 2025: Under the direction of the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, police teams across the state have launched independent raids as part of the statewide anti-narcotics initiative, “Operation Prahar.”
Following this directive, Kandhamal SP Harish Bishoi has ordered intensified police action in various police station limits of Phulbani sub-division and across the district.
Police have conducted raids on betel shops and gutka storage units in different areas. On Thursday, the Phulbani Town Police carried out raids at multiple locations and seized large quantities of gutka, cigarettes, and other intoxicating substances, according to Additional SP Snehasis Sahu.
Police have booked the traders under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) for illegal possession and sale of these substances.
Additional SP Sahu emphasized that smoking or consuming gutka in public places is hazardous to health and is strictly prohibited under the law. He added that stricter action will be taken going forward.
To help build a healthy and addiction-free society, students and the youth have been urged to cooperate with the police, Sahu stated.