How high-potency Shilavati cannabis strain from Odisha is fuelling pan-India illegal trade!

The name 'Shilavati' is creating quite a stir across the nation and abroad. At first glance, one might mistake it for a beautiful woman, an exotic fruit, or a fragrant flower. But in reality, Shilavati is a potent variety of cannabis grown in the remote regions of Koraput, which has become a favorite among users and a prized product in the illegal trade.

Known as the 'number one brand' among cannabis strains, Shilavati has outshone other varieties in both quality and demand. Its growing popularity has caught the attention of the youth, with many reportedly drawn to its strong effects and unique aroma.

The high demand for this Koraput-grown cannabis has attracted drug mafias from several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Puducherry. Traffickers are flocking to Koraput to secure supplies, making it a hotbed for the illegal cannabis trade.

Also Read: Cannabis worth over Rs 63 lakh destroyed in Odisha

Such has been the fame of Shilavati that it has even inspired the making of a pan-India film titled 'Ghaati', centered around the cannabis mafia operating in the region.

With lush green appearance and a distinctive fragrance that lingers after use, Shilavati has become synonymous with high-quality cannabis in India’s underground markets.

With skyrocketing demand, this variety has carved a niche for itself as the most sought-after and lucrative cannabis strain in the country — making Shilavati not just a product, but a phenomenon spreading from the hills of Koraput to markets across India.

Koraput, once renowned for its natural beauty, is now gaining notoriety for the cultivation and smuggling of cannabis. Driven by high demand, farmers are increasingly turning to its cultivation, filling their pockets with profits — while the smuggling mafia thrives even more. These racketeers buy the produce at low prices locally and sell it outside the state at nearly ten times the rate.

Though cannabis is cultivated for only six months, the illegal trade continues throughout the year. Locals and intellectuals have expressed deep concern over this growing menace.

"To stop the cultivation completely, the masterminds in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Haryana should be nabbed," said Rajesh Yadav, a local resident.

"There has been huge demand for the brand. As a result, people are coming from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan to Koraput to make a huge amount of profit," said Nishan Patnaik, another local resident.

Reports suggest that Shilavati, the local variety, has now surpassed cannabis produced in states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in terms of potency and demand. Just a few puffs of this strain are said to cause intoxication lasting several hours, with users claiming it gives them the strength of 'hundred lions'.

Experts warn, however, that while initial use may seem pleasurable, regular consumption can lead to serious mental health issues, including schizophrenia. Many habitual users have reportedly fallen victim to severe psychological disorders due to addiction to Shilavati.

"It is very much pleasurable in the short-term. However, if someone gets addicted, they will be dependent on it. Then it will have so much of negative effects on the body and the brain," said psychiatrist Dr Dhananjay.

Interstate mafia groups are flocking to Koraput under the guise of tourists to smuggle Shilavati. These smugglers are using trains as their preferred and safe gateway for illegal transportation. The contraband is being shipped from Koraput to various states via Visakhapatnam and Rayagada routes.

The mafia is exploiting unemployed educated youth, college students, and even women by luring them into this illegal trade, putting their lives and futures at serious risk. Over the past eight months, police have arrested 48 individuals, including eight women, in connection with ganja smuggling. Among the accused are school dropouts, ITI trainees, and even B.Tech students.

"They are mostly coming as tourists. However, they are taking Shilavati while returning. Some of the youths are ruining their career by trying to make a lot of money within a short period of time," said GRP OIC Santoshi Mahanta.

The notoriety of Shilavati ganja has even inspired a film titled 'Ghaati', which depicts the smuggling network operating from Koraput and its links to major international drug rackets. The film also portrays the global demand for the substance in a cinematic manner. South Indian actress Anushka Shetty and actor Vikram Prabhu played the lead roles in the movie, which was shot across Koraput and various locations in southern Odisha.