In a first-of-its-kind seizure in Odisha, Malkangiri police recovered 60 litres of cannabis oil on Monday, reportedly valued at around Rs 12 lakh per litre.

As per reports, the revelation came after Malkangiri police found several packets of a liquid substance in an area under Chitrakonda police limits. Upon examination, the liquid was identified as oil extracted from ganja buds. 

Police sources said this was the first instance of cannabis oil being seized in the state, though similar cases had been reported earlier in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

The discovery of cannabis oil has reportedly sparked curiosity about the nature, preparation, and usage of this substance. Meanwhile, police have confirmed that the mafia involved in the case will be arrested soon.

Process Of Making

According reports, the process of making the oil involves drying the ganja, separating the seeds, and extracting the sticky part of the plant. The residue is then mixed with chemicals and processed through machines to produce the oil. About 30 to 40 kilograms of ganja is required to make one litre of oil, which is estimated to be worth Rs 12 lakh. 

Experts say the oil has both medicinal and intoxicating properties. It is often used for pain relief and can cause intoxication if inhaled or consumed by mixing it with food.

Former Excise Commissioner Sudarshan Nayak explained, “The entire plant is dried to make the oil. Both ganja and the oil are sold. The oil applied on the body has medicinal properties, but it is also used to make syrup for consumption. Departments like police, excise, and the NCB have the authority to conduct raids and seize such substances.”

Excise Inspector Santosh Kumar Bhol added, “While the oil is meant for medicinal purposes, peddlers misuse it as an intoxicating substance.”

Investigation Underway

Malkangiri SP Vinodh Patil H said, “This appears to be the first case in Malkangiri and possibly in the entire state. NCB data revealed that similar cases have been reported in Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Around 30 to 40 kilograms of ganja is needed to produce one litre of oil, which can be consumed by smoking or by mixing it with food.”

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An investigation is ongoing to trace how long the oil was produced and where it was being supplied, as sources said.