Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has destroyed 108,904.9 kg (108.90 metric tonnes) of seized ganja, valued at approximately ₹544.52 crore, during the National Pre-Trial Narcotics Destruction Special Drive conducted between June 2 and July 10 under the Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan (Drug-Free Odisha Campaign).
The special operation was carried out under the direct supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania by the Special Task Force (STF) of the CID Crime Branch. At the outset of the campaign, police districts and units had identified 78,600.383 kg of seized ganja for destruction by July 10. However, Odisha Police surpassed the target by destroying over 108.9 metric tonnes of the narcotic, reflecting intensified efforts to expedite disposal of seized contraband in long-pending cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Among the participating districts, Boudh Police recorded the highest destruction of seized ganja at 37,484.885 kg. Kandhamal Police followed with 34,245.430 kg, while Malkangiri destroyed 8,969.940 kg. Gajapati Police disposed of 6,671 kg, Koraput 6,155.773 kg and Rayagada 5,796.70 kg.
The statewide drive involved police units from Boudh, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Balangir, Baragada, Jharsuguda, Anugola, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Debagada, Sundaragada, Khordha, Baleshwar, Sambalpur, Raurkela Police District, Kendujhar, Ganjam, the STF, SRP Raurkela and SRP Cuttack.
Apart from ganja, Odisha Police also destroyed 12 kg 398.85 grams of brown sugar with an estimated market value of around ₹24.80 crore, besides 3,631 bottles of cough syrup. Balasore Police accounted for the destruction of 11 kg 293 grams of brown sugar, while the STF destroyed 1 kg 90 grams and Kendujhar Police disposed of 15.85 grams. All 3,631 bottles of cough syrup were destroyed by Baragada Police.
The destruction drive forms part of the broader Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan aimed at curbing drug abuse and illegal narcotics trafficking across the state. As part of the campaign, a statewide anti-drug pledge programme organised on July 1 saw more than 25,000 people take an oath to remain drug-free and support efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
Highlighting the state’s intensified campaign against narcotics, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania said Odisha Police would further strengthen its action against illegal drug trafficking, smuggling networks and the drug mafia. Reiterating a policy of “zero tolerance” towards lawbreakers, he said the force would continue leveraging coordinated enforcement, modern technology and public participation to build a drug-free, safe and empowered Odisha.
