With the help of a multi-agency squad comprising Excise, Revenue and Forest officials, the Odisha police have destroyed over 3,600 acres of hemp cultivation in the State in the year 2014-15. This was revealed at a review meeting of the multi agency squad at the police headquarters here on Friday.

Police officers of at least nine districts attended the meeting. The cops were sensitised to stop hemp cultivation, destroy the plantations and initiate criminal proceedings against the land owners who are allowing hemp cultivations on their lands. Suspecting that extensive illegal hemp cultivation in some parts of the State is benefiting the Maoist organisations directly, the Odisha police have taken up cudgels to destroy these cultivations.

Cultivation of Indian hemp or cannabis is outlawed in the country for the intoxicating substances contained in its flowers and seeds. These substances are sources of hashish and ganja preparation and those who cultivate cannabis invite a prison term of 10 years. Police suspect that outlawed Maoist organisations are encouraging hemp cultivations in certain districts of the State and these organisations are reaping rich dividends by this illegal trade.

Ever since it was perceived that the Maoists are encouraging hemp cultivation in an organised way, the State police have revamped measures to destroy these cultivations and block the fund-flow to the rebel organisations. Sources said in the year 2011-12 nearly 1,575 acres of hemp cultivations were destroyed by the police in the State and in the following year 1,305 acres were in target. However, after forming a multi-agency squad, the State police were able to destroy 3,523 acres of hemp cultivations in 2013-14.