(Jayapur) Koraput: In a major crackdown on illegal cannabis cultivation, Koraput Police on Thursday destroyed around 12,000 cannabis plants spread across nearly 10 acres of land in the hilly and forested areas near Disariguda and Lenjiiguda villages under Padwa police limits in Koraput district, police said on Friday.
Three persons were arrested while they were allegedly engaged in planting and maintaining the illegal cannabis crop during a raid conducted by a team of Padwa Police Station on September 3.
The arrested persons have been identified as Jayaram Gemel (30) of Disariguda, and Hasya Khara (45) and Ghasi Gemel (42), both of Lenjiiguda, all under Padwa police limits in Koraput district.
According to police, the operation was launched based on reliable information. The raid was led by Sub-Inspector Umesh Dharua in the presence of an Executive Magistrate.
During the operation, the police team detected extensive illegal cannabis cultivation spread across approximately 10 acres. The plants were uprooted and destroyed at the spot in the presence of the Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.
Police also seized two plastic buckets, two spades and a half-used jari sack containing urea fertiliser from the cultivation site.
A case has been registered at Padwa Police Station vide Case No. 88 dated September 3, 2026, under Section 29(a)(i) of the NDPS Act.
Koraput Police said it has intensified its drive against illegal narcotic cultivation and trafficking in the district. The police appealed to village communities, youth, educational institutions, parents and public representatives to cooperate in identifying and reporting illegal cultivation, transportation, storage and sale of narcotic substances.
Police further urged citizens to share information about such activities with the nearest police station, assuring that the identities of genuine informants would be kept confidential in accordance with law and procedure.
The police reiterated its commitment to making Koraput free from illegal narcotic activities and said that strict action would continue against those involved in drug-related offences.
