ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: As Bhubaneswar joins the global observance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Thursday (June 26), the City itself is grappling with the very crisis the day aims to address. This year’s theme, “Break the Cycle, Stop Organised Crime,” resonates deeply in the Capital and surrounding areas, where juvenile arrests linked to narcotics—particularly brown sugar—are on the rise. Recent investigations by local authorities have uncovered alarming trends: juvenile offenders caught with drugs worth lakhs were found to be part of a wider trafficking network with direct links to brown sugar suppliers in West Bengal and nearby regions. The findings point to the expanding influence of organised drug syndicates infiltrating both urban and rural areas of Odisha.
Speaking to OrissaPOST on this occasion, Md Imran Ali, a noted de-addiction warrior, counsellor, and Co-Founder of Salaam Jeevan, said, “Drug abuse and trafficking have severely impacted our younger generation,” he said. “The drug mafias are deliberately targeting youth, spreading their operations from cities into villages, and pushing minors into both consumption and distribution. The entire ecosystem—from families to schools—must function as a vigilant force.” The government and local administration must break the supply chain while expanding rehabilitation services, especially for women and children, he added. Ali stressed the need for urgent reforms in enforcement, noting that the current implementation of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act remains weak. Echoing this concern, Gatikrishna Satapathy, Convener of War Against Drugs Abuse (WADA), framed the crisis in broader societal terms: “Every parent dreams of a bright future for their child. But drugs are robbing us of that future, quietly and violently. Addiction destroys academic potential, family bonds, mental health, and often pushes individuals into crime.” Satapathy called for a community-based prevention strategy rooted in awareness. “It’s easier to avoid drugs than to quit them. Early education, strong family ties, and community vigilance are our best weapons. Prevention is not just better than cure—it is essential.” In a strong message from the authorities, Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh assured strict action against drug peddlers operating in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. “We will deal firmly with those trying to lure our youth into addiction. At the same time, we are committed to helping those who want to quit. Police will actively support rehabilitation efforts and work with agencies to ensure drug-free futures for our youth,” Singh said. As the City observes this crucial day, one message echoes loud and clear: The fight against drugs cannot be won in isolation. It demands unity, urgency, and unflinching resolve—from the government, civil society, families, and most importantly, the youth themselves.
