pratiphalan Media
In a decisive move against illegal cannabis cultivation and inter state drug transportation , senior officers of the Odisha and Andhra Pradesh Police held a joint coordination meeting via video conference to strengthen enforcement along the inter-state border.
The meeting was attended by the DIG, South Western Range (SWR), Koraput, along with the Superintendents of Police of Koraput, Rayagada and Malkangiri districts. From Andhra Pradesh, the IG of Visakhapatnam Range and the SPs of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) and Anakapalli districts participated in the discussions.
The officers resolved to enhance intelligence-sharing mechanisms and conduct coordinated joint operations to dismantle interstate transportation networks operating in the border areas. Strict action will be taken against cannabis cultivators, traffickers and absconders facing Non-Bailable Warrants (NBWs). Station House Officers have been directed to ensure 100 per cent execution of NBWs, failing which disciplinary action will follow.
DIG Kanwar Vishal Singh (SWR), Koraput, lauded the sustained anti-NDPS drive by district police units and emphasised zero tolerance towards narcotics cultivation and smuggling.
According to official data, since January 1, 2025, Koraput Police have registered 131 NDPS cases, arrested 72 persons and seized 20,477 kg of cannabis, 2.83 grams of brown sugar and one litre of hashish oil. During the same period, Malkangiri Police registered 102 NDPS cases, arrested 121 persons and seized 33,671.7 kg of cannabis and 62 litres of hashish oil.
The meeting further resolved to intensify financial investigations, establish forward linkages to trace supply chains, strengthen prosecution in NDPS cases and ensure effective conviction of accused persons through robust evidence collection.
Senior officers reaffirmed their commitment to eradicate illegal cannabis cultivation from the border districts and break the backbone of interstate drug syndicates through sustained joint enforcement.
