Bhubaneswar: The police today revealed that illegal drugs are being delivered to youngsters online through food aggregators in Odisha.
“We have come across some cases where illegal drugs are being delivered online through food aggregators in the state. The drugs peddlers are using food aggregators to deliver illegal drugs to youngsters. The food aggregators like Swiggy might have no knowledge about the things that were being delivered to people through them. This is a matter of concern for all of us. We are looking into the issue and steps are being taken to check the online delivery of drugs,” said twin-city Police Commissioner Saumendra Priyadarsi at the stale-level meeting of Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhijan here today.
The top cop further revealed that the illegal drugs trade has already spread its tentacles to rural areas of the state. “The drugs peddlers are targeting college students and youngsters in the state. We have to create awareness among the students to check drug menace in society,” said the Police Commissioner.
He put emphasis upon government and non-government interventions for monitoring, enforcement and prevention of drugs abuse in Odisha.
Participating in the event, Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) department Principal Secretary Bishnupada Sethi emphasized upon social media campaign to substantiate the awareness drive against drugs abuse. “We can involve sports persons, leaders, youth icons, voluntary agencies and civil societies in the drive against illegal drugs trade,” he added.
The meeting, organized by the SSEPD department, discussed various aspects of Nasha Mukta Abhijan in the state.
“The campaign against illegal drugs has been launched in all 30 districts of Odisha. We have recently completed awareness campaign in 10 districts. At least 500 master volunteers have been trained to participate in the drive,” said an official.