Bhubaneswar, June 5 -- Odisha Excise Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday asserted that individuals engaged in the illegal narcotics trade must be dealt with firmly under the law, stressing that drug trafficking poses a serious threat to public safety and law and order in the state.
Addressing the State-Level Excise Superintendents' Conference in Bhubaneswar, Harichandan said the menace of illegal narcotics and intoxicants not only leads to loss of life and property but also creates significant law and order challenges.
The Minister underscored the need for regular training of excise officers and staff, timely recruitment of personnel, and resolution of operational issues faced across various excise zones to strengthen the departmen...