As a part of its drive against illegal opium cultivation, Odisha police on Monday destroyed a large number of opium or poppy plants inside Similipal sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district. Police suspect that opium cultivation has been going on inside the core area of the sanctuary for some time now. We have launched a probe to identify those involved in this illegal cultivation. We will nab those involved in the illegal opium cultivation. Officials reported that more than 18,111 acres of illegal cultivation was destroyed in 2025.

Source: The Telegraph January 20, 2026 02:23 UTC