Kerala-Based Drug Syndicate Busted in Koraput; Massive Hashish Oil Unit Dismantled
By Suryanarayan Panda
Koraput (Odisha), Feb. 28: In one of the biggest anti-narcotics operations in Odisha in recent years, police have dismantled a sophisticated hashish oil manufacturing unit operating from a secluded island inside the Jalaput reservoir in Koraput district. The racket, allegedly run by a Kerala-based syndicate, led to the arrest of seven persons, including four from Kerala and three local associates.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday, DIG (South-Western Range) Kanwar Vishal Singh described the seizure as a major breakthrough in curbing inter-state drug trafficking networks operating through Odisha’s remote forested regions.
Mastermind from Kerala
Investigators identified Allen Jayaraj (33) of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, as the alleged kingpin of the operation. Police said he was the chief architect and “main cook” of the illicit unit, setting up a temporary but technically advanced extraction laboratory deep inside forest limits under Padwa police station.
The Kerala-based accused include:
- Allen Jayaraj (33)
- Kiran D (33)
- Anand Raj (28)
- Bittu B (34)
All four are residents of Thiruvananthapuram district.
The three accused from Koraput district — Laxman Khilla (23), Lalachan Khilla (25), and Sadhu Pangi (45) — allegedly assisted the syndicate by providing local support, logistical arrangements, and operational help.
Massive Seizure on Remote Island
Police recovered approximately 1,800 litres of hashish oil and 1,000 kilograms of dry ganja from the clandestine unit. In addition, authorities seized generators, pressure cookers, chemical solvents, customized pipelines, and other equipment used in extracting high-purity cannabis oil.
Officials termed it one of the largest drug hauls ever recorded in the state.
High-Risk Amphibious Operation
The breakthrough followed a meticulously planned amphibious raid. A specialized police team used boats to reach the island hideout located within the Jalaput reservoir. The operation involved nearly 30 hours of continuous combing in dense forest terrain.
The accused were apprehended under the supervision of Koraput SP Rohit Varma, DIG Singh said.
Interstate Network Under Scanner
Preliminary investigation indicates that the Kerala-based kingpin strategically shifted operations to Odisha’s remote forest pockets to evade detection. The isolated island location provided both security and concealment for large-scale production intended for interstate distribution.
Police have launched a detailed probe to trace forward and backward linkages of the syndicate, including financial trails and possible buyers in other states. Further arrests are not ruled out.
Authorities said the operation underscores growing attempts by organised narcotics networks to exploit inaccessible terrain for illegal drug production, and reaffirmed their commitment to intensifying surveillance in vulnerable forest regions.
