Sambalpur, Sept. 25: The rampant rise in illegal sale and abuse of habit-forming drugs such as cough syrups, anti-depressants and sedatives has emerged as a major concern here.

According to an official report, 88 cases have been detected and 139 persons arrested in connection with the illegal sale of habit-forming drugs between January 1 and August 31 in Sambalpur this year. Around 874 bottles of cough syrups, 152 litres of syrup-based liquid, 98 strips of Nitrosun tablets and two cars have been seized in connection with the illegal sale of these drugs during this period.

In 2015, the Sambalpur district police had detected 71 cases and arrested 109 persons in connection with the illegal sale and abuse of habit-forming drugs. Around 456 bottles of different types of cough syrups, 146 strips of Nitrosun tablets, and 58.8 litres of syrup-based liquid, besides two cars were seized in connection with the illegal sale of habit-forming drugs.

The Sambalpur district superintendent of police, Akhilesvar Singh, said: "We have decided to intensify raids and take stringent steps to completely prohibit the illegal sale of such dangerous drugs."

Appreciating the police for its drive against illegal sale and abuse of these habit-forming drugs, local resident Chinmaya Nath said: "A large number of youths are found consuming these drugs. Because of their addiction, many of them are also getting involved in petty crimes. Severe action should be taken against those who sell these habit-forming drugs."

Psychiatrist Mihir Ranjan Nayak said: "They start consuming these drugs for recreational purposes and later get addicted to them. In several cases, they also start taking these drugs during depression and get addicted to it later. These drugs have a very negative effect on mental health."

"Many chemist shops are selling these drugs without prescription at a premium," said Sanujit Sharma, another local resident.