In a major crackdown on illegal narcotics cultivation, the Odisha Excise Department has destroyed opium plants valued at approximately Rs 25 crore in Deogarh district.
The operation targeted an illicit opium farm hidden in a forested area, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb drug production in remote regions.
Acting on intelligence, excise officials raided the site in Kadopada village under the Reamal police station. The opium was being grown on about 2 acres of government land along the Baunsajora nala, divided into five plots. Over 50,000 opium plants were discovered, with evidence suggesting multiple harvests had already occurred before the raid.
The entire crop was uprooted, destroyed, and set ablaze on-site to prevent any recovery. The raid was led by Excise Superintendent Basanti Prabha Nayak, with Executive Magistrate and Additional Tehsildar of Reamal, Prem Prakash Haro, present to oversee the proceedings. Officials noted that the cultivation had gone undetected due to its location deep within the forest.
An investigation is underway to identify those involved in the illegal activity on government property. “This operation underscores our commitment to eradicating narcotics at the source,” said Deogarh Excise Superintendent in a statement.
The market value of the destroyed opium is estimated at Rs 25 crore, based on current black market rates.
