The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has destroyed over 9.49 acres of illegally cultivated cannabis in Maharashtra’s Dhule district. The large-scale operation, carried out in coordination with regional units from Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur, uncovered an extensive drug syndicate operating along the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra border. Authorities dismantled seven identified cultivation sites, preventing an estimated 10,000 kg of cannabis from entering the illicit market.
The enforcement action, conducted under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, underscores the growing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in India. The investigation, launched on the basis of specific intelligence, led enforcement officials to the remote villages of Khamkheda, Ambe, and Rohini, where cannabis was being cultivated on encroached land. The use of advanced surveillance techniques enabled officials to pinpoint multiple sites equipped with modern irrigation facilities, revealing a highly organised and well-funded operation. Upon verification, authorities found not only standing cannabis crops but also substantial quantities of harvested and dried marijuana, indicating that the illegal network had already begun distribution.
As part of the enforcement measures, DRI officials sought judicial approval to clear the farmland and seize all contraband under the NDPS Act. A detailed site mapping exercise was conducted, including geotagged photographs and land record analysis, to document the extent of encroachment. The enforcement teams carried out systematic destruction of 96,049 cannabis plants while confiscating 420.39 kg of processed marijuana. Officials stated that the timely intervention averted a major inflow of contraband into drug markets, potentially impacting criminal networks that rely on such illicit supply chains.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling such illegal operations, stressing that the fight against drug cultivation is integral to achieving a ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (Drug-Free India). The NDPS Act prescribes stringent penalties for the cultivation, possession, and distribution of narcotic substances, with violators facing up to 20 years in prison. Law enforcement agencies have increasingly turned to satellite imaging and data-driven intelligence to detect concealed plantations in remote areas. While this operation marks a significant victory against the illegal drug trade, experts caution that the persistence of such syndicates highlights the need for sustained vigilance and proactive intervention by authorities. The crackdown in Dhule serves as a strong message to those engaged in drug-related crimes, reinforcing the government’s commitment to public safety and sustainable governance.