In a bid to curb the illegal cannabis trade and disrupt the finances of Maoist groups, the Odisha Police have launched an intensified campaign utilizing drones, satellite images, and ground intelligence. This surveillance strategy, aimed at locating and destroying illegal hemp plantations, targets areas where Maoist influence is strong, particularly in Malkangiri, Koraput, Kandhamal, and other districts.
The Scale of the Problem
Illegal cannabis cultivation has become a primary source of income for Maoist insurgents, who allegedly back these operations in areas where they hold sway. These plantations, often hidden in dense forests or remote landscapes, help finance Maoist activities, making it a priority for Odisha authorities to dismantle this network. The Advanced Data Processing Research Institute (ADRIN) is providing crucial satellite data to aid in mapping these plantations across the state, allowing police forces to zero in on illegal cultivation sites with pinpoint accuracy.
In 2023 alone, Odisha authorities destroyed approximately 220 tonnes of marijuana and seized 78 kilograms of brown sugar, highlighting the scope and prevalence of drug-related crime in the region.
A Coordinated Effort Against Cannabis Cultivation
In a recent meeting chaired by Odisha’s Director General of Police (DGP) YB Khurnia, senior police officials, including state crime branch officers, reviewed strategies to address both Maoist activities and the illegal cannabis trade. DGP Khurnia emphasized the need for regular coordination between police, revenue, forest, and excise departments, ensuring that various state resources are marshaled effectively to tackle the cultivation and trade of cannabis.
The DGP added, “We are committed to eradicating Naxalism by 2026 and to ending the illegal cannabis trade in Odisha.” A plan is already underway to conduct inter-departmental meetings, bringing together superintendents of police (SPs) and district collectors to facilitate alternative development programs. These initiatives aim to provide legal income sources for residents of areas where cannabis cultivation is prevalent.
Enhanced Surveillance Tactics and Recent Seizures
Odisha police have implemented advanced surveillance tactics, combining human intelligence on local topography and drone surveillance to gather data on suspected cannabis-growing regions. Ground forces, in collaboration with Central Armed Police Forces and the Special Operation Group, are deployed to destroy plantations identified in Maoist-controlled areas. The police, backed by local intelligence, also prepare contingency plans in case Maoist activity is detected in the core cultivation areas.
According to the Superintendent of Police in Malkangiri, Vinodh Patil H., “Cannabis trade is illegal. Our focus remains on dismantling this network to cut off a key funding source for Maoists.” This week, authorities have already destroyed illegal cannabis plantations covering an area of 267 acres.
The recent seizure of 50 kilograms of cannabis in Mayurbhanj district, valued at around ₹5 lakh, demonstrates that law enforcement efforts extend beyond cultivation sites to transport routes as well. In this operation, Odisha police intercepted a car carrying the contraband and apprehended two individuals involved in the trade.
Challenges and Future Plans
The crackdown against cannabis cultivation is scheduled to continue until March 2025, with the Odisha Police planning to conduct routine raids and surveillance checks across targeted districts. Despite the operational challenges of navigating Maoist-affected zones, authorities remain optimistic about containing the cannabis trade. The police’s long-term goal involves establishing alternative livelihood programs in collaboration with local governments, which would deter residents from resorting to illegal cannabis farming.
With the implementation of multi-agency cooperation, advanced technology, and grassroots engagement, Odisha’s intensified campaign marks a significant step toward reducing illegal drug activity and weakening the financial stronghold of Maoist groups.
Category: Law Enforcement, Drug Policy, Crime
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