Bhubaneswar: Alarmed at growing ganja peddling in the state, the Odisha government has launched a ‘Green Clean Mission’ to destroy and curb cannabis cultivation.
Sharing updates on the progress of ‘Green Clean Mission’, DGP Y B Khurania told reporters on Monday that a total of 54 cases related to cannabis trafficking and cultivation have been registered so far.
Under the special drive, police have seized over 3,500 kilograms of cannabis and arrested 80 individuals. In addition, cash to the tune of Rs 15 lakh and 20 vehicles used in the illegal cannabis trade have been confiscated, he said.
Stating that police are vigilant with constant monitoring of cannabis-prone areas, Khurania said all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the mission’s success.
It may be noted that the state government initiated the special mission to curb drug peddling and improve the quality of life. As a part of the mission, police are destroying cannabis (ganja) cultivation in the state.
Enforcement teams have so far destroyed ganja cultivation on more than 10 acres in the Digapahandi area of Ganjam district. In addition, 62 acres of forest land in Subarnapur district have been cleared of cannabis cultivation.
The joint task force comprising personnel from the Odisha police, Excise, Revenue, and Forest departments have been constituted to make ‘Green Clean Mission’ a success, the DGP said.
The drive is a part of the state government’s initiative to completely eliminate cannabis cultivation by 2026.
