Rupsa: Balasore has become the hub of drug peddling in the state, if recent developments are considered. The recent arrests of personnel of international drug mafia have pointed to the spreading of the illegal business amid reports that hooch and liquor have been flowing from West Bengal.
Now, youths of Rupsa area are high on drugs especially ganja. With increased drug peddling, the crime graph is also allegedly in an upward trend in the area.
The drug peddling has been rampant at Phuladi, Chasakhand, Haladipada, Rupsa, Basta, Kadraiyan and Jaleswar areas, sources said.
Locals alleged that drug peddling is being pushed by a drug cartel which is hand in glove with some excise and police officials.
Drug mafia are also reportedly targeting the youths as their customers.
DSP Manoj Rout had conducted a raid on an abandoned house near South cabin of Rupsa railway station on the night of September 9.
He had seized five packets of brown sugar and 50 kilogram of ganja from drug peddler Lambodar Behera.
Later, the elusive kingpin of the drug racket Sk Raj was arrested by the STF of the Crime Branch 16.
Lawyer Manoranjan Nayak said that the role of excise and police officials assume prime importance in curbing drug peddling, but both the departments are keeping quiet, which has raised many eyebrows.
Doctor Manoj Sahu said, “All should make concerted efforts to ensure a drug and alcohol free society.”
DSP Manoj Rout said that raids are being carried out at various places in the district to curb drug peddling. A special squad has been formed with instructions from the IG and DIG to deal with the drug smuggling and peddling issues. All those involved in the drug peddling will be arrested, he assured.