In a bold move against illegal drug cultivation, the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district police have leveraged drone technology to uncover and destroy a massive cannabis plantation spanning five acres in Andhra Pradesh.
Drone Surveillance Uncovers Hidden Cannabis Cultivation
The operation, led by the ASR district police in the hilly Degalarai village, revealed the widespread growth of cannabis, concealed within dense foliage. Utilizing drones, authorities identified and eradicated 3.55 acres of illicit cannabis cultivation spread across 20 different locations within the village, located in the Solabham panchayat of G Madugula mandal.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Amit Bardar described the challenges presented by the region’s mountainous terrain, which made it easier for cultivators to hide their operations. “Initial drone investigations revealed small clusters of ganja plants across the area. This discovery exposed the larger scale of cultivation,” Bardar shared.
What was first thought to be a small-scale operation, involving just a few plants, turned out to be much more significant when drones identified large patches of cannabis, spread across the area.
Key Details of the Seized Land
The cannabis plantations were found across various types of land, each with differing levels of involvement from local cultivators:
- Patta Land: 1.2 acres, cultivated by four individuals
- Government Land: 0.05 acres, cultivated by one person
- Unsurveyed Land: 1.95 acres, with involvement from nine individuals
- Forest Land: 0.35 acres, cultivated by five individuals
These findings highlight the scale of illegal activity and the diverse areas affected by the cannabis cultivation. In total, 19 individuals have been identified for their role in this illicit operation, and a case has been filed against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Police’s Ongoing Fight Against Drug Cultivation
This operation is part of a broader initiative launched by the ASR district police to combat the illegal cultivation of cannabis. Since the anti-drug campaign began on June 12, the police have made significant progress. The crackdown has resulted in 141 cases under the NDPS Act, with over 11,618 kg of dry ganja and 3.05 kg of hash oil seized. In addition, 563 individuals have been booked, with 390 arrests made.
One of the key components of the initiative is addressing the socio-economic factors that contribute to illegal cannabis cultivation in tribal regions. Bardar highlighted that the tribal communities in Degalarai are being encouraged to grow alternative crops like silver oak, coffee, and sweet lime. These sustainable farming options aim to replace cannabis cultivation, providing farmers with a legal and profitable livelihood.
The Role of Technology in Law Enforcement
The deployment of drone technology has proven to be a game-changer in detecting hidden cannabis plantations in areas that are difficult to access. While traditional methods of intelligence gathering, like informants and foot patrols, still play a role, drones offer a faster, more efficient way to cover large areas and uncover illegal activities hidden deep in rural areas.
The success of this operation is a testament to the increasing use of technology in law enforcement, which allows authorities to adapt to changing criminal tactics in remote locations. Drones are proving to be an invaluable tool for police forces around the world, helping them tackle crime in new, innovative ways.
