Police destroy large tracts of illegal ganja plantations in Kandhamal

Illegal ganja cultivation continues unabated across several hilly pockets of Odisha’s Kandhamal district, with organised cannabis networks operating without fear, according to local reports.  

odLarge stretches of forested hills have allegedly been converted into cultivation zones by ganja mafia groups, who are taking advantage of remote terrain and limited surveillance.

Acting on intelligence inputs, Kandhamal Police intensified their enforcement drive to curb the illicit activity. Special teams, along with local police units, have been deployed in multiple affected areas. 

During recent operations, police destroyed a significant number of cannabis plants by cutting them down and clearing the cultivation sites.

Officials said operations will continue in a sustained manner to dismantle cultivation networks and identify those financing and managing the illegal farms. Police sources added that the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to curb narcotics production and prevent its movement to other districts and states.

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Daringbadi DSP Kankak Kumar Majhi said, “A team of 35 members, with three cutter machines, has launched a crackdown on illegal ganja cultivation. The drive began in November and would continue till next month. Besides, we are making people aware of illegal farming.”