25+ Tonnes of narcotics Seized: How IPS Rakesh Sahoo is Dismantling the drug network in Gajapati, Odisha

In Odisha’s tribal-dominated Gajapati district, a strong crackdown against narcotics is taking place. Led by IPS Rakesh Kumar Sahoo (2023 Batch), the district police have adopted a multi-dimensional strategy to dismantle the network behind cannabis cultivation and trafficking. Sahoo has also been awarded the DGP’s Disc in recognition of his efforts.

Spread across nearly 3,850 sq. km, Gajapati’s hilly,forested terrain and scattered habitations have long posed a challenge for enforcement. Over time, a network involving cultivators, facilitators, financiers, dealers and transporters developed with links extending to southern states.

Technology to Track Cultivation: Under the Odisha Government’s “Nasha Mukta Odisha” initiative, Gajapati Police used remote sensing and drone technology to identify suspected cannabis cultivation. Locations were geo-tagged for targeted action and around 45 cultivation-destruction operations were conducted in R. Udayagiri and Adava police station areas.

Police also combined human intelligence, criminal antecedents, previous cultivation records and vehicle-movement patterns to identify vulnerable pockets and trafficking routes.

20 Major operations, 25+ tonnes seized: Based on actionable intelligence, 20 major anti-narcotics operations were conducted, involving teams of 40-100 personnel including women personnel and commandos forming Quick Response Teams. Early-morning operations helped maintain surprise, speed and operational security despite the difficult terrain.

The crackdown resulted in the seizure of over 25 tonnes of narcotics worth crores, arrest of more than 20 accused, including two key masterminds, and seizure of over 12 vehicles. Additionally Interstate trafficking linkages were identified and significant cultivation and processing infrastructure disrupted

From carriers to the larger network: A key shift of strategy was moving from simply catching carriers to identifying the larger network. Naka checking, night patrolling and confidential intelligence helped identify transporters and facilitators.

Investigations into financial transactions, property records and criminal connections were also used to trace those higher up the chain. Interstate trafficking links with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala were identified. “The objective is not merely to seize narcotics, but to disrupt the network, deter the trade and replace illicit cultivation with sustainable livelihoods.” Sahoo quoted

Community intervention: Enforcement has been complemented by community and livelihood interventions. Farmers are being encouraged to move towards horticulture, food crops, livestock and other sustainable livelihoods with Agriculture and Forest officials, PRI representatives and local banks also involved. “The vision is a Gajapati known for horticulture and sustainable livelihoods not narcotics.” He shared

IPS Rakesh Sahoo model of crackdown demonstrates that organised narcotics networks require a sustained combination of intelligence, technology, targeted enforcement, financial investigation, prosecution and community participation.