Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police has launched a comprehensive operation to destroy illegal cannabis cultivation across multiple districts, including Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Ganjam, Nawarangpur, and Mayurbhanj.
According to an official press statement, Director General of Police (DGP) Y.B. Khurania chaired a meeting on Saturday to coordinate this large-scale initiative, which aims to curb the illegal cannabis trade through advanced technology and inter-departmental collaboration.
In the meeting, attended virtually by senior police officials such as the Addl. DGP of CID and CB, DIG Ops, and SSPs of the affected districts, DGP Khurania emphasized the use of drone technology to locate and map illegal cannabis cultivation.
The police will also rely on human intelligence to gather information on the topography and the involvement of local individuals in cultivation activities.
To approach remote cultivation sites, the DGP instructed a mobilization of manpower from various agencies, including Revenue, Forest, and Excise. In areas where there is suspected Naxal movement, a coordinated operational plan involving the Central Armed Police Forces (CAF) and Special Operations Group (SOG) will be formulated with the necessary approvals.
The plan also includes regular inter-district and inter-departmental meetings to strengthen coordination between key departments, ensuring smooth communication and efficient operations.
In addition, SSPs have been directed to work with District Collectors to explore Alternative Development Programs aimed at reducing cannabis cultivation by providing alternative livelihood options to affected communities.
The campaign to eradicate cannabis cultivation began in early November and will continue through March. As of November 8, police teams have destroyed illegal cannabis crops spanning approximately 267 acres.
