STF Raids Drug Hubs Near Bhubaneswar Colleges

Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown on the illegal drug trade near educational institutions, the Special Task Force (STF) of Odisha Police, in coordination with the Commissionerate Police, carried out a series of surprise raids across key student hubs in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

The operation targeted areas such as Patia, KIIT Road, and Khandagiri—zones that house some of the city’s largest universities and colleges. Based on credible intelligence inputs, STF teams focused on paan shops, eateries, and roadside kiosks suspected of peddling brown sugar and ganja to students.

The joint operation, conducted with the Infocity Police, was triggered by tip-offs alleging that narcotics were being sold discreetly, often hidden inside cigarette packets and gutka sachets—codenamed “GOGO” by the peddlers.

“We have seized a significant quantity of narcotics and detained several shopkeepers for questioning,” said a Deputy Superintendent of Police from the STF. “Two to three key vendors are being interrogated and will be handed over to Infocity Police for further investigation.”

During the raids, forensic teams collected samples from multiple locations, which are expected to provide vital leads in busting a broader supply network aimed at exploiting vulnerable student communities.

This operation follows a similar raid by the Special Crime Unit just days earlier, signaling intensified efforts by law enforcement to curb drug abuse ahead of the upcoming college elections and surge in campus activities.

Officials have reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy against drug peddling and confirmed that regular inspections will continue in student-populated areas to ensure the safety and well-being of youth across the city.