Bhubaneswar, May 29 (IANS) Odisha Police has intensified its statewide crackdown on crime and criminal activities under a special enforcement drive launched on May 12 following directions from Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania.

According to a statement issued by the state police, the drive is being conducted across all police ranges under the supervision of district Superintendents of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack.

The operation is aimed at executing pending non-bailable warrants (NBWs), arresting absconders, curbing narcotics smuggling, seizing illegal arms, checking illegal mineral transportation, and strengthening enforcement against drunk driving and other unlawful activities.

Police sources said the special drive has been implemented under the direct supervision of Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar.

During the last 18 days, Odisha Police executed 5,703 pending NBWs across the state.

Police also arrested 520 accused persons in different criminal cases and produced them before courts.

Besides, 957 habitual offenders were booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), while action was taken against 2,620 persons under Section 126 of the BNSS.

As part of the anti-narcotics drive, police registered 97 NDPS cases and arrested 137 accused persons.

During raids conducted at various locations, police seized around 7,398 kg of ganja, 586 grams of brown sugar, 220 grams of heroin, 219 litres of cough syrup, and 1,050 bottles of cough syrup.

Police also seized 27 vehicles, 14 mobile phones, three pistols, and cash worth Rs 2.92 lakh allegedly used in drug trafficking.

Additionally, 2,154 excise-related cases were registered during the period.

Special emphasis was also laid on road safety enforcement.

Police took action against 3,293 persons for drunk driving and collected fines amounting to Rs 6.46 crore for violations of motor vehicle and road safety rules.

The state police have also intensified action against illegal cattle transportation, mining and arms trade during the drive.

In the drive against illegal cattle transportation, police registered 29 cases and arrested 13 accused persons.

Due to timely intervention by the police, 284 cattle were rescued from 17 vehicles.

Odisha Police also intensified action against illegal mining activities.

In 654 cases related to illegal mining and mineral transportation, 162 persons were arrested.

During the operation, police seized 878 vehicles and machinery, including excavators, trucks, tractors, trippers, power tillers and JCB machines.

To curb illegal arms trade, police registered 31 cases and arrested 35 persons.

A total of 39 firearms and 29 rounds of live ammunition were seized during the operation.

“Odisha Police remains firmly committed to ensuring safety, security and a crime-free environment for the citizens of the state. Such special enforcement drives against crime and criminal activities will continue in the coming days, and strict action will be taken against all forms of illegal activities and organised mafias,” DGP Khurania said.

–IANS

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