Maharashtra: Illegal Cannabis Cultivation Worth Rs 20 Crore Destroyed in Dhule District
Dhule, 3rd April 2025: In a major crackdown on illegal cannabis cultivation, authorities destroyed over 9.49 acres of illicit crops and seized 420.39 kg of ganja in Maharashtra’s Dhule district. The estimated market value of the destroyed crop and seized contraband is ₹20 crore.
The operation was conducted by officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), who acted on specific intelligence regarding large-scale cannabis farming in Khamkheda, Ambe, and Rohini villages, located near the Madhya Pradesh-Maharashtra border.
Surveillance and Action
Following weeks of surveillance, officials identified seven sites suspected of being used for illegal cultivation. They then approached the district administration and sought necessary permissions from a Judicial Magistrate to take action.
Upon inspection, the 9.493-acre area was found to be under well-organized illegal cannabis cultivation. Officials noted that drip irrigation systems were in place, indicating that the operation was designed to maximize yield. Additionally, gunny bags filled with dried ganja were found on the fields, ready for distribution.
Destruction and Seizure
In the presence of the Judicial Magistrate, the sites were measured, geo-tagged, and recorded as encroached lands being misused for cannabis cultivation. The illegally grown 96,049 cannabis plants were uprooted and destroyed. Simultaneously, 420.39 kg of ganja, stored in bags on the fields, was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
The action was taken under Section 48 of the NDPS Act, which empowers authorities to destroy illicit crops.
Further Investigation Underway
Officials are now working to trace the individuals behind the operation and identify any larger network involved in drug trafficking. Further investigations are ongoing to ensure legal proceedings against those responsible.
