Bhubaneswar: As part of Mission Zero Cannabis Cultivation, Kandhamal Police destroyed around 30 acres of illegal cannabis cultivation and arrested nine persons in a coordinated operation.
The operation was carried out on October 14 and 15 in remote forest areas under Luising Gram Panchayat within Gochhapada Police Station limits. Police said drones were deployed for surveillance during the drive.
The accused persons are residents of Raigada, Dhakudi, Rukpadar, Rutungia, Regadulu, Pipalpali, Badul and Ghusurumaha villages.
The operation was led by SDPO, Sadar Phulbani, P P Subhrajit Biswal, Gochhapada IIC Subhrajit Samantray and SI Ashok Parida, and was closely monitored by SP Kandhamal. During investigation, they found the arrested persons involved in the illegal ganja cultivation in the remote area by encroaching upon forest lands.
A case has been registered at Gochhapada Police Station under Section 20(a)(i) of the NDPS Act.
Kandhamal Police appealed to people to abandon illegal cannabis cultivation and adopt sustainable alternative livelihoods.
