Malkangiri, Jan 6: As part of a sustained crackdown on illegal cannabis cultivation, police in Malkangiri district destroyed around 10,000 cannabis plants grown illegally over 10 acres of forest land. The estimated market value of the destroyed crop is about ₹10 lakh, police said.

The operation was carried out by a police team led by Malkangiri Police Station IIC Rigan Kindo in the Khaliguda forest area near Bir Lakshmanpur Panchayat under Malkangiri block. The illegally cultivated cannabis plants were cut down and burnt on the spot. Police officials stated that such enforcement actions against illegal cannabis farming will continue in the district.

Meanwhile, a large-scale anti-cannabis drive is also underway in Kandhamal district under “Operation Nila Jahar,” launched on the directions of the State Police Chief and under the direct supervision of the District Police Chief. As part of the ongoing drive, Gochhapada police station—an area often linked with cannabis cultivation—has intensified operations over the last fifteen days.

Under the leadership of Gochhapada IIC Chiranjeeb Behera, cannabis plants cultivated illegally on about 162 acres of forest land in Gabanala and Sanjuketa villages under Pahireju Panchayat were destroyed. Police estimate the market value of the seized and destroyed crop to be nearly ₹1 crore.

The operation was conducted on Monday with the participation of officials from the Forest Department, Police, and Excise Department, and the destruction was carried out in the presence of a magistrate. Adequate police force was deployed to ensure security during the operation. In connection with the drive, a case (No. 02/2026) has been registered at Gochhapada Police Station.

Police officials reiterated that the campaign to eradicate illegal cannabis cultivation from the region will continue in the coming days.