Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Police has successfully eradicated 108,904.9 kg (108.90 metric tonnes) of confiscated ganja, with an estimated value of ₹544.52 crore, during the National Pre-Trial Narcotics Destruction Special Drive that took place from June 2 to July 10 as part of the Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan (Drug-Free Odisha Campaign).
This extensive operation was conducted under the direct oversight of Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania by the Special Task Force (STF) of the CID Crime Branch. Initially, police districts and units had earmarked 78,600.383 kg of seized ganja for destruction by the July 10 deadline. However, the Odisha Police exceeded expectations by eliminating over 108.9 metric tonnes of the substance, showcasing enhanced efforts to expedite the disposal of confiscated drugs linked to long-standing cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Among the various districts involved, Boudh Police led the way by destroying 37,484.885 kg of seized ganja. Kandhamal Police followed closely with 34,245.430 kg, while Malkangiri eliminated 8,969.940 kg. Other districts contributed as well, with Gajapati Police disposing of 6,671 kg, Koraput 6,155.773 kg, and Rayagada 5,796.70 kg.
The comprehensive drive engaged police units from numerous districts, including Boudh, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Balangir, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Khordha, Balasore, Sambalpur, Rourkela Police District, Kendujhar, and Ganjam, along with the STF and SRP units from Rourkela and Cuttack.
In addition to ganja, Odisha Police also destroyed 12 kg 398.85 grams of brown sugar, valued at around ₹24.80 crore, and 3,631 bottles of cough syrup. Balasore Police accounted for the destruction of 11 kg 293 grams of brown sugar, while the STF disposed of 1 kg 90 grams, and Kendujhar Police destroyed 15.85 grams. All 3,631 bottles of cough syrup were eliminated by Bargarh Police.
The destruction initiative is part of the larger Nishamukta Odisha Abhiyan, which aims to combat drug abuse and illegal trafficking throughout the state. As part of this campaign, a statewide anti-drug pledge event held on July 1 saw over 25,000 individuals commit to remaining drug-free and supporting efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
Emphasizing the state’s intensified approach to tackling narcotics, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania stated that Odisha Police will continue to bolster its efforts against illegal drug trafficking, smuggling operations, and the drug mafia. He reiterated a commitment to a policy of ‘zero tolerance’ toward lawbreakers, indicating that the police force will persist in utilizing coordinated enforcement, modern technology, and community involvement to achieve a drug-free and secure Odisha.
