In a determined effort to make Odisha drug-free and curb narcotics trafficking, the Odisha Police recently concluded a statewide crackdown involving all district police units.
The ‘Operation Dharapagad’ resulted in significant seizures of illicit substances and the complete destruction of large-scale illegal cannabis cultivation.
According to a press note released by the State Police Headquarters, drugs worth over ₹10 crore were confiscated. This included **1,400 kg of ganja (cannabis)**, **1.65 kg of brown sugar**, **133 grams of heroin**, and **292 bottles of cough syrup** commonly abused as intoxicants. Additionally, cannabis plants grown across **2,706 acres of land** were completely destroyed.
The operation led to the registration of **94 cases** under the NDPS Act. **40 accused individuals** were arrested, with vehicles used in trafficking also seized. In a stern measure against habitual offenders, the **National Security Act (NSA)** was invoked against **18 persons**.
Odisha Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania directed the statewide drive, emphasising the identification and arrest of notorious criminals, strict action against anti-social elements, and the complete eradication of illegal ganja trade and cultivation.
The campaign was supervised by Additional DGP (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, with active participation from Superintendents of Police across all districts.
