New Delhi: In a breakthrough under an ongoing anti-cannabis drive, Gajapati district police have seized approximately 2,811 kg (2.8 tonnes) of illegal cannabis during a raid in Karigeju village under Adava police station limits. The operation marks one of the significant recoveries in the district’s intensified crackdown on narcotics.
According to official information, the seizure was made during a search operation carried out in the forested and hilly areas near Karigeju village. The operation was conducted early in the morning by a special police team led by R. Udayagiri, SDPO Rakesh Sahu.
During the search, police recovered a total of 113 plastic bags in which the contraband had been concealed. The seized material was found hidden in the remote terrain, indicating organised illegal activity in the region. However, the accused managed to flee from the spot. Police have launched efforts to identify and apprehend those involved at the earliest.
In connection with the seizure, Adava Police Station has registered Case No. 70. The case has been filed under Section 20(b)(ii)(C) of the NDPS Act, which deals with offences related to commercial quantities of narcotic substances.
The latest operation is part of a broader crackdown by the district police against illegal cannabis cultivation and trafficking. Officials said that between November 18, 2025, and April 6, 2026, significant progress has been made in curbing drug-related activities across the Adava and R. Udayagiri police station areas.
During this period, a total of 11 cases were registered in the Adava police station limits, leading to the seizure of 9,676 kg of cannabis. In the R. Udayagiri police station area, four cases resulted in the seizure of more than 2,825 kg of cannabis.
Overall, in 15 cases registered so far, Gajapati district police have seized more than 12,501 kg (approximately 12.5 tonnes) of illegal cannabis. Among the major recoveries, 4,040 kg was seized from the Kesariguda area, 1,830 kg from Buripada, and 2,811 kg from the Karigeju forest region. Authorities have stated that strict action has been taken against those involved in the illegal trade.
Police sources further highlighted that a coordinated statewide drive is underway to eliminate illegal cannabis cultivation and trafficking. Acting on directives issued by Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania, stringent enforcement measures are being implemented at the grassroots level to dismantle the network of drug trafficking across the state.
