Bhubaneswar, 01 July (H.S.): Odisha Police has achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing 'Nishamukta Odisha' (Drug-Free Odisha) campaign, intensifying its crackdown on illegal narcotics cultivation, trafficking and organized drug networks under its zero-tolerance policy.
Addressing a programme at the State Police Headquarters in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania reaffirmed the force's commitment to building a drug-free, safe and empowered Odisha.
Our highest priority is to build a drug-free, secure and empowered Odisha. The campaign against narcotics trafficking and drug syndicates will be intensified further, and there will be no leniency towards those involved in the illegal trade, the DGP said.
The programme was organised as part of the National Level Pre-Trial Drug Destruction Special Drive, being conducted across the country from June 26 to July 10 under the directions of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Government of India.
Highlighting the achievements of the anti-narcotics campaign, the DGP said that between July 2024 and March 2026, Odisha Police destroyed more than 63,720 acres of illegal cannabis cultivation, valued at approximately ₹1,911 crore.
During the same period, police registered 2,445 cases under the NDPS Act, seized 421 tonnes of cannabis worth around ₹2,106 crore, and arrested 3,502 accused involved in narcotics-related offences.
In one of the biggest breakthroughs, Koraput Police dismantled an illegal cannabis oil manufacturing unit and seized nearly 1,800 litres of cannabis oil valued at around ₹225 crore, besides cannabis worth approximately ₹5 crore. Four key members of the racket were arrested from Kerala.
The Special Task Force (STF) also arrested two active members of an inter-state drug trafficking syndicate operating across Kandhamal, Boudh, Sonepur and neighbouring states.
To strengthen enforcement, the State Government has approved the establishment of four exclusive NDPS Courts in Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Angul and Sambalpur for speedy disposal of narcotics-related cases.
The DGP also announced that a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) will be constituted under the leadership of an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). The ANTF will comprise 10 operational units and 19 intelligence units across the State. It will specifically target major drug syndicates, with a goal of initiating stringent action against at least 100 major drug traffickers every year under the NDPS Act.
He said special emphasis is being laid on identifying the masterminds and financiers behind illegal cannabis cultivation and launching financial investigations to dismantle the economic backbone of drug syndicates.
As part of the nationwide drug destruction drive, Odisha Police has targeted the destruction of narcotics worth nearly ₹410 crore, including around 80 tonnes of cannabis, 11.4 kilograms of brown sugar, and 3,638 bottles of cough syrup, at seven authorised incineration facilities located in Khurda, Angul, Balasore, Ganjam, Balangir, Koraput and Sundargarh. Since the launch of the campaign, 36 tonnes of cannabis have already been destroyed, while the remaining seized narcotics will be disposed of in phases following due legal procedures.
The anti-drug campaign has also focused on public awareness. Anti-drug pledge programmes were organised in more than 550 police stations across all 35 police districts, with participation from over 25,000 citizens, 4,882 students, and 337 teachers, who pledged to support the creation of a drug-free society.
Reiterating Odisha Police's commitment, DGP Khurania said the fight against narcotics trafficking would be further intensified through coordinated enforcement, advanced technology, financial investigations and active public participation.
Senior police officers, including Crime Branch Director General Vinaytosh Mishra, Crime Branch IG Sarthak Sarangi, STF DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh and other senior officials, attended the programme.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
