Bhubaneswar (Economy India): In one of India’s largest anti-narcotics operations in recent years, the Odisha Police seized 421 tonnes of ganja worth ₹2,106 crore and 1,800 litres of hashish oil valued at ₹225 crore during a statewide anti-drug campaign conducted between July 2024 and March 2026. The police also destroyed illegal cannabis cultivation spread across 63,720 acres, estimated to be worth ₹1,911 crore.
The figures were disclosed by Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania while addressing the State-Level Pre-Trial Drug Disposal Programme and Anti-Narcotics Pledge Ceremony in Bhubaneswar.
Massive Crackdown on Drug Networks
According to the DGP, Odisha Police registered 2,445 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act during the campaign and arrested 3,502 individuals allegedly involved in narcotics trafficking.
The operation targeted both illegal cultivation and organized interstate drug syndicates operating within and beyond Odisha.
Illegal Cannabis Cultivation Destroyed
Authorities uprooted and destroyed cannabis plantations spread over 63,720 acres, making it one of the country’s largest anti-cultivation drives.
The destroyed crop had an estimated illegal market value of ₹1,911 crore, significantly disrupting the supply chain of narcotic substances originating from the region.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Ganja Seized | 421 Tonnes |
| Value of Ganja | ₹2,106 Crore |
| Hashish Oil Seized | 1,800 Litres |
| Value of Hashish Oil | ₹225 Crore |
| Illegal Cannabis Destroyed | 63,720 Acres |
| Estimated Crop Value | ₹1,911 Crore |
| NDPS Cases Registered | 2,445 |
| Arrests Made | 3,502 |
| Drug Disposal Campaign | June 26 – July 10 |
Hashish Oil Manufacturing Unit Busted
Police also dismantled an illegal hashish oil manufacturing unit operating in Koraput and Malkangiri districts.
During the raid:
- 1,800 litres of hashish oil worth approximately ₹225 crore were seized.
- Four accused linked to the racket were arrested from Kerala.
STF Targets Interstate Drug Syndicates
The Odisha Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested members of interstate drug trafficking networks operating across Kandhamal, Boudh, Sonepur, and neighbouring states.
Officials said the crackdown is part of a sustained effort to dismantle organized narcotics networks and strengthen enforcement under the NDPS Act.
Ongoing Drug Disposal Drive
As part of the Pre-Trial Drug Disposal Campaign being conducted from June 26 to July 10, Odisha Police has begun destroying:
- 82 tonnes of seized ganja
- 11.4 kilograms of brown sugar
The total estimated market value of the narcotics being destroyed is around ₹1,000 crore.
Economy India Insight
Odisha’s large-scale anti-drug operation highlights the growing emphasis on dismantling narcotics supply chains through coordinated enforcement, crop destruction, and interstate intelligence sharing. Such actions are aimed at curbing illegal drug trafficking, protecting public health, and strengthening law enforcement across the region.
(Economy India)
