The roadside dhabas (eateries) operating their business on the side of NH-16 between Ganjam and Humma have emerged an epicenter of drug trafficking, posing a law and order problem in the area, sources said.
A narcotics trafficking racket was recently unearthed during a surprise raid by a team of Karnataka Police which identified and apprehended the kingpin while the Ganjam Police Station and Huma Police outpost which are located barely at a distance of 500 meters could not curb trafficking for a long time.
According to some local sources, in addition to roadside sale of narcotic substances, the huge sea shore from Gopalpur beach to Ganjam Kantiagarah has been a spot of illicit liquor. It would not be possible to run such illegal business without local as well police support, feel the concerned denizens here. Most of the law and order problems in the locality is due to unethical competition to take control of the trade, giving rise to violence and social tension, while frustrated and unsuccessful youths get addicted ruining their life and career.
The Karnataka Police arrested two brothers of Puintala village who are the kingpin of the illegal trade here.
Meanwhile, the Ganjam district police have taken the matter seriously and some of the officers have been transferred, suspecting their nexus. The administration is now on an overdrive trying to overcome the problem by strategic planning.
Sources said the Karnataka Police taking help of local police prepared a blueprint to reach Puintala village under Ganjam Block. Soon after the police reached at Puintala to ascertain the mastermind, the villagers were awestruck.
Sources said that the shop owners operating their business on the side of the NH also blackmarket petrol and diesel along with opium and ganja and drugs like brown sugar to the drivers as well as to the public. Similarly, the liquor bar which is being opened in the evening near “Sankha Bandha” in Ganjam town and several retail shops located in front of Bada Bazar foreign liquor counter openly sell liquor, often leading to anti-social activities like group clash, eveteasing etc.
The Additional SP reportedly has assured to form special squads to keep a tab on the illegal drug trafficking and other law and order problems in the area.