Major Drug Bust in Malkangiri: Police Seize 1,250 Kg of Ganja
In a significant crackdown on narcotics, Malkangiri police on Sunday seized a massive 1,250 kilograms of ganja from the Bejingwada area under the Kalimela police station limits. The operation was part of a special enforcement drive targeting drug trafficking in the region.
Intelligence-Based Raid Leads to Seizure
Acting on a specific tip-off about a large quantity of ganja dumped in a forested region, police immediately launched a coordinated operation. Superintendent of Police (Malkangiri) Vinod Patil stated, "We received credible information about ganja stored in the forest and mobilized our teams promptly." No arrests were made during the raid as the location was deserted when authorities arrived.
A formal case has been registered, and investigations are actively underway to trace the origin of the contraband and identify those responsible for the smuggling operation. Police are examining possible inter-state connections linked to this substantial seizure.
Sustained Campaign Against Narcotics
SP Patil emphasized that this operation represents ongoing, intelligence-driven actions against drug networks. "Malkangiri has historically been a target zone for drug traffickers due to its geographical position, and we are committed to completely dismantling these illegal operations," he asserted.
Official data reveals a marked increase in enforcement activity in Malkangiri over the past year. The district, which borders Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, recorded seizures of approximately 31,000 kg of ganja in 2025, compared to 23,000 kg in 2024. This 35% surge reflects a more aggressive and coordinated strategy to combat the drug trade.
Heightened Enforcement and Future Strategy
Deputy Inspector General (south-western range) Kanwar Vishal Singh announced an even more rigorous push against narcotics in the coming months. "Our focus will be on a comprehensive crackdown targeting every aspect of the ganja trade in Malkangiri," he declared. "We plan to intensify operations against cultivation sites, processing units, and trafficking routes. Those involved in this illicit business will face stringent legal action."
Emerging Threat: Diversification into Processed Narcotics
Authorities have identified a concerning trend where traffickers are attempting to diversify into more dangerous and high-value narcotic products. DIG Singh warned, "Along with traditional ganja, we are observing attempts at manufacturing hashish and ganja oil. This poses a serious threat, and our strategy is to detect and destroy such units before they can expand."
In November 2025, Malkangiri police made a landmark seizure of 60 kg of hashish oil from the Chitrakonda police station area—the first such case registered in the state. "This seizure exposed a new, alarming trend in the region," Singh noted. "Since that incident, we have significantly enhanced surveillance and technical monitoring to prevent Malkangiri from becoming a hub for processed narcotics."
Appeal for Public Cooperation
Police have urged citizens to actively support enforcement efforts by providing information about narcotics activities. "Public cooperation is vital to achieving a drug-free Malkangiri," the DIG emphasized. "We are targeting all stages of the drug trade—cultivation, harvesting, storage, transportation, and marketing—with equal intensity and determination."
The recent seizure underscores the ongoing challenges and the determined response by law enforcement agencies to curb the narcotics trade in this strategically located district.
