Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police has reported major achievements under its ‘Nishamukta Odisha’ (Drug-Free Odisha) campaign, destroying illegal cannabis cultivation worth an estimated ₹1,911 crore and seizing narcotic substances valued at over ₹2,331 crore as part of its intensified crackdown on drug trafficking across the state.
The achievements were highlighted during a programme held at the State Police Headquarters in Bhubaneswar in connection with the National Level Pre-Trial Drug Destruction Special Drive being conducted across the country from June 26 to July 10, 2026, under the directions of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
Addressing the programme, Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania said, “Building a drug-free, safe and empowered Odisha is the highest priority of Odisha Police. The campaign against drug trafficking and smuggling will be intensified further in the coming days.”
The DGP announced that the State Government has approved the establishment of four dedicated NDPS courts in Bhubaneswar, Khordha, Anugul and Sambalpur to ensure speedy trial of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
He also announced the formation of a dedicated Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), headed by an officer of the rank of Additional Director General of Police (ADGP). The ANTF will have 10 operational units and 19 specialised intelligence units across the State. Odisha Police has also set a target of taking stringent action under the NDPS Act against at least 100 major drug traffickers every year and eliminating all identified drug hotspots.
The DGP said financial investigations are being prioritised to identify the masterminds and financiers behind illegal cannabis cultivation and dismantle the financial networks supporting drug trafficking.
According to Odisha Police, more than 63,720 acres of illegal cannabis cultivation, valued at approximately ₹1,911 crore, was destroyed across the State between July 2024 and March 2026.
During the same period, police registered 2,445 NDPS cases, seized 421 tonnes of cannabis worth an estimated ₹2,106 crore and arrested 3,502 accused persons.
Koraput Police also achieved a significant breakthrough by busting an illegal cannabis oil manufacturing unit. During the operation, police seized around 1,800 litres of cannabis oil valued at approximately ₹225 crore, along with cannabis worth about ₹5 crore. Four key accused linked to the racket were arrested from Kerala.
In another operation, the Special Task Force (STF) arrested two active members of an interstate drug trafficking network operating in Kandhamal, Boudh, Sonepur and neighbouring states.
As part of its awareness campaign, anti-drug pledge programmes were organised in more than 550 police stations across all 35 police districts. The initiative saw the participation of over 25,000 citizens, including 4,882 students and 337 teachers, who pledged to support the creation of a drug-free society.
Odisha Police has also planned to destroy about 80 tonnes of seized cannabis, 11.4 kg of brown sugar and 3,638 bottles of cough syrup, collectively valued at around ₹410 crore, at seven authorised incineration facilities located in Khordha, Anugul, Baleswar, Ganjam, Balangir, Koraput and Sundargarh. Since the launch of the special drive, 36 tonnes of cannabis has already been destroyed, while the remaining seized narcotics will be disposed of in phases following due legal procedures.
Reiterating Odisha Police’s resolve, DGP Khurania said, “The fight against drug trafficking, smuggling and narcotics mafias will become even more intense in the coming days.”
“There will be no leniency towards anyone violating the law. Through coordinated action, advanced technology, public participation and strong determination, Odisha Police remains committed to building a drug-free, safe and empowered Odisha,” he added.
