‘Operation Green’: Cannabis cultivation worth Rs 40 lakh destroyed in Kandhamal

In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics cultivation, cannabis crops worth nearly Rs 40 lakh were destroyed in the Phiringia area of Kandhamal district. The operation was carried out under Operation Green Mission, a special drive aimed at curbing large-scale cannabis cultivation in forest and interior regions.

A joint team comprising officials from the police, excise, and revenue departments conducted a coordinated raid in the forest areas near Kalibira, Dami and Ratang villages under Ratang panchayat. During the operation, officials detected cannabis plants grown illegally over around 42 acres of land. The entire crop was subsequently cut down and destroyed by burning on the spot.

Authorities said the cannabis plantation was spread across difficult and densely forested terrain, indicating organised cultivation. The operation dealt a significant blow to illegal drug networks active in the region.

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Police officials stated that such anti-cannabis drives will be intensified in the coming days, with continuous monitoring and coordinated action planned to prevent the resurgence of illegal cultivation. They also warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in the cultivation, supply and trafficking of narcotic substances