Koraput, Feb 26: Koraput police have carried out one of the largest anti-narcotics operations in recent times, dismantling an inter-state hashish oil production unit and seizing contraband worth hundreds of crores.

Acting on precise intelligence, a joint team led by Padua police under the direction of SP Samarth Verma raided a jungle area near Jholaput reservoir, close to the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.

During the operation, police seized over 1,800 litres of hashish oil, with an estimated market value of nearly ₹200 crore. Additionally, more than 1,000 kilograms of ganja were confiscated, valued at around ₹5 crore. Several makeshift production units and equipment were also recovered.

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Authorities confirmed that the masterminds behind the illegal unit have been identified and will be arrested soon. Preliminary investigations suggest strong inter-state links in the production and trafficking network.

In a separate raid in Koraput district, Nandapur police intercepted two Mahindra pickup vehicles carrying 1,143 kilograms of ganja concealed in plastic trays. The seized consignment is valued at approximately ₹5 crore.

Four accused were arrested, including two suppliers from Semiliguda in Koraput and two receivers from Haryana. This highlights the widespread inter-state nexus in narcotics smuggling.

Police officials emphasized that the crackdown was part of a sustained campaign against organized drug trafficking in the region. DIG (South Western Range) K Vishal Singh confirmed that investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected.

The raids underline the growing challenge of inter-state drug cartels operating in remote forested areas, using difficult terrain to evade law enforcement.

With back-to-back seizures in Koraput, authorities have sent a strong message against narcotics smuggling, reaffirming their commitment to dismantling illegal networks and curbing the menace of drug trafficking in Odisha.