Bhubaneswar, May 22 -- After a brief lull, the Commissionerate Police, in coordination with the Drugs Department, once again launched 'Operation Prahar' to crack down on the illegal sale of addictive and narcotic substances in Bhubaneswar. As part of the renewed drive, officials carried out surprise raids on shops allegedly involved in the sale of cigarettes, cannabis, gutkha, and other prohibited intoxicants.

The enforcement drive was conducted on Friday in several shops along the Gandamunda Road area of the city. During the sudden inspections, authorities checked establishments suspected of violating existing regulations related to the sale of banned substances.

Officials imposed fines exceeding Rs 5,000 on shopkeepers found engaged i...