Cannabis oil manufacturing unit unearthed on island in Koraput; contraband worth Rs 200 crore seized

A major cannabis oil manufacturing unit operating from an island in the Jalaput Reservoir in Odisha’s Koraput district was busted on Friday, days after police seized cannabis oil worth Rs 200 crore in the region.

The discovery followed an intensified investigation launched after the earlier seizure. Police are working to identify the mastermind and other associates involved in the production and trafficking of the contraband.

One alleged trafficker has been arrested and is currently being interrogated to uncover the full extent of the racket. Strict surveillance has been imposed on the island, which investigators believe functioned as the central hub of the illegal operation.

Operation Conducted Using Boats and Drones

According to police, hundreds of kilograms of cannabis were transported daily to the island. The raw material was processed into oil, which was then packed into bottles and pouches before being supplied to mafia operatives.

The narcotics network, which operated from a dense forest area, has now been dismantled by the Koraput police.

Given the absence of road connectivity to the site, police teams accessed the island using boats through the Jalaput Reservoir. Drones were also deployed to monitor movements and scan the surrounding area for additional manufacturing units.

Koraput Superintendent of Police Rohit Verma said reaching the site was a significant challenge due to the lack of road access. “We used boats to reach the island through the Jalaput Reservoir. After arriving, we discovered a temporary manufacturing unit. We recovered 1,800 litres of cannabis oil and one tonne of ganja, with an estimated market value of over Rs 200 crore. The search operation is still underway, and drones are being used to identify any other units in the vicinity,” he said.

Unit Set Up After Water Level Receded

Police sources said the breakthrough came after Jeypore police recently arrested a person found in possession of cannabis oil. During interrogation, the accused reportedly provided key information about the island-based manufacturing facility.

Investigators believe the unit was established after water levels around the island receded, making it accessible for illegal operations.

Several jerrycans and drums filled with cannabis oil, along with ganja worth several crores of rupees, were seized from the site. Reports suggest the consignment was being prepared for smuggling when police conducted the raid.

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The accused present at the unit fled upon noticing the approaching police team. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest all individuals linked to the racket.