Bhubaneswar, 03 May (H.S.): In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, police dismantled a mobile hashish oil manufacturing unit in the Chitrakonda area and seized precursor chemicals, narcotics, and equipment estimated to be worth around ₹100 crore.

Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police had been tracking a suspected smuggling syndicate for several days. The group was reportedly operating a mobile setup and frequently shifting locations to evade detection amid intensified surveillance in the region.

The raid was carried out early Sunday morning when a team led by SDPO Chitrakonda, Pradosh Pradhan, intercepted a suspicious vehicle near Essar Chhak under Chitrakonda police limits on the road towards Sileru. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, Malkangiri.

During the search, police recovered around 800 litres of chemical precursors and solvents used for the production of high-potency hashish oil. Officials estimated that the potential market value of the finished product could have reached nearly ₹100 crore.

In addition, authorities seized 50 kg of ganja and 2 litres of finished hashish oil from the vehicle. A fully equipped mobile manufacturing unit with specialised extraction machinery was also confiscated.

The vehicle used in the operation, bearing an Andhra Pradesh registration number, was found with a forged number plate and has been impounded.

However, the driver managed to escape into nearby dense forest terrain, taking advantage of the difficult landscape.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the syndicate was attempting to set up a clandestine hashish oil production unit in the Chitrakonda region but was repeatedly forced to relocate due to sustained police pressure. A detailed investigation is underway to identify and arrest all individuals involved in the racket.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda