Odisha: Cannabis Cultivation Busted on 199 Acres in Kandhamal, Six Arrested

In a major operation against illegal cannabis cultivation, authorities have cleared ganja plantations spread across nearly 199 acres at six locations in Odisha’s Kandhamal district. Six people have been arrested in connection with the illegal activity.

The operation was conducted on Saturday by a joint force comprising police, excise, revenue and forest department personnel. Six separate teams, each consisting of 40 to 60 officials, were deployed across remote forest regions, mountainous terrain and river valleys. Drones and aerial surveys helped locate cannabis farms hidden in difficult-to-reach areas.

According to Kandhamal SP Ramendra Prasad, the crackdown covered areas under Baliguda, Phiringia, Khajuripada, Tikabali, Tumudibandh and Gochhapada police stations.

Gochhapada recorded the largest area of destroyed plantations, covering around 55 acres. Officials cleared approximately 37 acres in Baliguda and 35 acres in Phiringia. The drive also eliminated illegal cultivation across 25 acres in Khajuripada, 35 acres in Tikabali and 12 acres in Tumudibandh.

The police arrested six individuals during the operation. They have been identified as Chaitanya Rana (44), Premananda Mallick (37), Chitrasen Kanhar (53), Pramod Pradhan (49), Birendra Pradhan (28) and Abhimanyu Nayak (48). The arrests were made in the Baliguda, Phiringia and Khajuripada areas.

Cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the SP said. Further investigation is underway to trace possible interstate drug trafficking networks, organised groups and financial supporters suspected of backing the illegal cultivation.

Authorities are continuing efforts to identify the wider network behind the operation and curb the production and supply of illicit cannabis in the district.