Phulbani: In one of the biggest crackdowns on narcotics Kandhamal district police seized ganja worth over ₹30 crore in a sustained operation carried out over the last two days.
Addressing a press conference, Baliguda Sub-Divisional Police Officer Shubham Bhosale said that a total of 21,500 kg of ganja was confiscated from different parts of the district. The seizures were made in areas under Phulbani Sadar police station, Gochapada police station, Baliguda police station, Phiringia, and K. Nuagaon police station limits.
According to police estimates, the market value of the seized contraband exceeds ₹30 crore, making it one of the largest hauls in the district in recent times. The coordinated operation led to the registration of 44 cases across various police stations in Kandhamal.
As part of the crackdown, 74 persons have been arrested for their alleged involvement in ganja smuggling. Among those arrested are 11 women. Police also seized 25 vehicles that were being used to transport the contraband.
Bhosale stated that the district police are intensifying efforts to eliminate ganja cultivation at its source. He reiterated that the drive is aligned with the broader goal of a drug-free India and a drug-free Kandhamal, and that strict action will continue against those engaged in illegal cultivation and trafficking.
The district police have indicated that further investigations are underway and more arrests are likely as they continue to dismantle the network involved in the illegal trade.
