TNI Bureau: In a significant breakthrough under the “Nisha Mukta Odisha Abhiyan” (Drug-Free Odisha Campaign), the Koraput district police have achieved a major success in their ongoing anti-narcotics operations. Acting on credible intelligence, law enforcement authorities seized hashish oil worth an estimated ₹225 crore and ganja valued at approximately ₹5 crore in separate operations.
Massive Seizure of Hashish Oil Worth ₹225 Crore
In a well-coordinated raid conducted near the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh border, police busted a temporary manufacturing unit operating inside the Jolaput forest area under Padua police limits. The operation was carried out under the direction of the DIG (Southern Range) and led by the Superintendent of Police (SP), Koraput.
During the raid, officials seized more than 180 litres of hashish oil—an extract derived from cannabis. The estimated market value of the seized consignment stands at around ₹225 crore. Equipment and materials used in the illegal production process were also recovered from the site.
Although the accused managed to flee the scene, police have intensified efforts to trace and apprehend them. The investigation is ongoing.
1,143 Kg of Ganja Seized; Four Arrested
In another successful operation, Nandapur police seized 1,143 kilograms of ganja valued at approximately ₹5 crore. The contraband was being transported in two Mahindra pickup vehicles when police intercepted them based on prior intelligence.
Four individuals were arrested in connection with the case. Preliminary investigation reveals that two of the accused are from Semiliguda in Koraput district, while the other two hail from Haryana. Further investigation is underway to unravel the interstate network involved.
Changing Tactics of Drug Traffickers
Odisha Police have been conducting sustained and coordinated drives against illegal cannabis cultivation and drug trafficking across the state. As enforcement has intensified, criminal networks appear to be adapting their strategies.
Transporting ganja in bulk is risky and logistically challenging due to its volume and the increased likelihood of detection. As a result, traffickers are increasingly converting cannabis into hashish oil, which is more concentrated, easier to transport in smaller quantities, and significantly more profitable. Notably, the market value of one litre of hashish oil is nearly 25 times higher than that of one kilogram of ganja, making it an attractive alternative for illegal operators seeking higher profits.
Previous Seizures Highlight Ongoing Vigilance
This is not the first major breakthrough in the region. Earlier, under Chitrakonda Police Station Case No. 213/25, police had seized 60 kg of hashish oil and arrested two accused persons. In another case (No. 40/26), 2 kg of hashish oil was confiscated and four individuals were taken into custody.
These consistent operations underline the growing focus on dismantling organized drug networks operating within and beyond state borders.
Odisha Police’s Firm Message
The Odisha Police have reiterated their commitment to taking stringent action against drug smuggling, illegal production, and interstate trafficking networks. Authorities have made it clear that the campaign to make the state drug-free will be further intensified in the coming days.
With back-to-back seizures and coordinated enforcement, the “Nisha Mukta Odisha Abhiyan” is emerging as a determined and strategic offensive against the evolving drug trade in the region.
