Odisha police have achieved a landmark success in combating narcotics, particularly cannabis, across the state. Through stringent enforcement and coordinated operations, authorities have significantly curtailed illegal cultivation and trafficking, marking a historic milestone in the fight against drugs.
Massive Reduction in Cannabis Cultivation
In districts such as Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput, cannabis cultivation has dropped by 50%. From January 2025 to February 2026, police seized cannabis valued at ₹1,346 crore and destroyed illegal plantations worth ₹1,444 crore. Additionally, authorities confiscated brown sugar worth ₹41.7 crore, 10.17 crore worth of cough syrup, and 1,862 liters of cannabis oil valued at ₹200 crore.
A total of 654 interstate drug traffickers have been arrested during this period, dealing a major blow to organized narcotics networks.
Targeting Naxal-Affected Areas
Cannabis cultivation in Odisha has historically been concentrated in Naxal-affected forested regions, where it served as a source of easy income for insurgent groups. Police operations have dramatically reduced the influence of these groups, limiting their activity from 12 districts to just 2–3 districts.
The crackdown has also weakened the financial backbone of drug traders, with properties worth over ₹10 crore seized.
Advanced Policing Techniques
Odisha Police have deployed specially trained K-9 sniffer dogs to monitor major railway stations and bus stands. The state emphasizes law enforcement alongside awareness and rehabilitation efforts to tackle the drug menace comprehensively.
Rehabilitation and Awareness Initiatives
The government now operates 52 de-addiction centers across 29 districts, supported by both the central and state governments. These centers provide free accommodation, food, medical care, and vocational training for individuals struggling with substance abuse.
So far, 19,395 people have successfully completed rehabilitation and reintegrated into society, demonstrating the effectiveness of Odisha’s holistic approach to drug eradication.