Subarnapur Police intensify crackdown on cannabis mafia
By Mahendra Darjee
Subarnapur/Balangir: The Subarnapur police have launched an aggressive crackdown on the illegal cannabis trade, disrupting a vast inter-state smuggling network and keeping the so-called ganja mafia on edge.
Acting on intelligence inputs, police have uncovered a major supply chain operating from Kandhamal and Boudh districts, funneling cannabis to states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Delhi, and Maharashtra.
Leading the drive is Superintendent of Police Narayan Nayak, who has rolled out a dedicated campaign—”Mission Ganja”—to dismantle the thriving narcotics network. Under this initiative, the police have carried out a series of successful operations, seizing cannabis worth several crores of rupees and arresting multiple smugglers.
In one of the recent raids, police intercepted a pickup van near the Kantamal bridge in Boudh district, seizing 25 packets of cannabis weighing over 6 quintals and 15 kilograms. The contraband is estimated to be worth around Rs 1 crore. In another major bust, a vehicle in the Burda-Arjunpur area under Tarbha police limits was found carrying 9 quintals and 35 kilograms of cannabis—valued at nearly Rs 5 crore.
To stay ahead of smugglers, the police have adopted innovative techniques, conducting checks on agricultural vehicles, tractors, and even motorcycles. Investigations are also underway to expose the masterminds behind the trade and destroy the logistical network enabling its smooth operation.
Despite these gains, authorities admit that some suspects have managed to flee, and concerns remain over how easily accused persons are securing bail. Law enforcement officials stress the need for stronger legal safeguards to ensure the accused face justice without undue delay.
Experts and senior police officers agree that rooting out the cannabis menace will require a multi-pronged approach—raising public awareness, destroying illicit cannabis cultivation, and enforcing laws with greater stringency. For lasting impact, coordinated efforts among police, judiciary, and local administration will be key.
