Bhubaneswar, July 11: In a major crackdown on narcotics under the 'Nishamukta Odisha' (Drug-Free Odisha) campaign, Odisha Police has destroyed over 108.9 metric tonnes of seized ganja during the National Pre-Trial Drug Disposal Special Drive conducted between June 2 and July 7.

The special drive was carried out by the Special Task Force (STF) of the CID-Crime Branch under the direct supervision of Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.

According to Odisha Police, a total of 108,904.9 kg of ganja, estimated to be worth around Rs 544.52 crore, was destroyed during the drive, significantly surpassing the initially identified quantity of 78,600.383 kg earmarked for disposal. The exercise was aimed at expediting the disposal of long-pending seized narcotics under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Among all participating districts, Boudh Police topped the list by destroying 37,484.885 kg of ganja, followed by Kandhamal (34,245.430 kg), Malkangiri (8,969.940 kg), Gajapati (6,671 kg), Koraput (6,155.773 kg) and Rayagada (5,796.70 kg).

Police districts and units that participated in the campaign included Boudh, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Balangir, Bargarh, Jharsuguda, Angul, Mayurbhanj, Nabarangpur, Deogarh, Sundargarh, Khordha, Balasore, Sambalpur, Rourkela Police District, Keonjhar, Ganjam, STF Odisha, SRP Rourkela and SRP Cuttack.

Apart from ganja, Odisha Police also destroyed 12.398 kg of brown sugar, valued at approximately Rs 24.80 crore, along with 3,631 bottles of cough syrup. Balasore Police disposed of 11.293 kg of brown sugar, while the STF destroyed 1.090 kg and Keonjhar Police disposed of 15.85 grams. Bargarh Police destroyed all 3,631 bottles of cough syrup.

As part of the Nishamukta Odisha campaign, Odisha Police organised a statewide anti-drug pledge programme on July 1, in which more than 25,000 people pledged to remain drug-free and support efforts to curb drug abuse and illegal trafficking.

Emphasising Odisha Police's commitment to combating narcotics, DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania said the force would further intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking and drug mafias.

"Our campaign against illegal narcotics trade, smuggling and drug mafias will become more extensive and stringent in the coming days. Odisha Police will continue to maintain a policy of zero tolerance against offenders. Through coordinated enforcement, modern technology, public participation and firm resolve, we are committed to building a drug-free, safe and empowered Odisha," the DGP said.

He added that Odisha Police would continue working with the public to eliminate illegal drug trafficking and achieve the goal of a drug-free Odisha.