Illegal opium cultivation unearthed in Similipal National Park; crops worth Rs 1.7 crore destroyed

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Illegal opium cultivation unearthed in Similipal National Park; crops worth Rs 1.7 crore destroyed

Large-scale illegal opium cultivation was detected inside the protected Similipal National Park after a coordinated operation conducted jointly by the police and the forest department, leading to swift action against the unlawful activity.

Published by Abhishek Swain | January 19, 2026

Large-scale illegal opium cultivation was uncovered deep inside the protected Similipal National Park following a joint operation by the police and the forest department. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the authorities carried out a coordinated raid and destroyed illicit opium crops valued at over Rs 1.70 crore.

Officials said the unlawful cultivation was being carried out in remote forest areas of the national park, in clear violation of forest, wildlife, and environmental protection laws. Based on credible information, a special joint team comprising police and forest personnel was formed to take swift and decisive action.

109 Acres of Opium Crop DestroyedThe operation was conducted in Gopinathpur village under the Similipal region. During the raid, opium crops spread across approximately 109 acres of forest land were destroyed. Officials noted that the vast scale of cultivation indicated a well-organised and systematic illegal operation functioning inside the protected forest zone.

The incident has raised serious concerns over the misuse of ecologically sensitive areas for illegal activities, posing a direct threat to wildlife habitats and ongoing conservation efforts in the national park.

Cases Registered at Jashipur Police StationFollowing the destruction of the crops, legal action was initiated, and two separate cases were registered at Jashipur police station. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify those involved and to determine how such extensive cultivation went undetected within the national park for a prolonged period.

Zero Tolerance Towards Illegal Activities in Protected ForestsOfficials reiterated the administration’s zero-tolerance stance against illegal activities in protected forest areas. They added that surveillance in Similipal National Park will be further strengthened, with regular joint operations planned to curb unlawful cultivation, safeguard wildlife habitats, and ensure strict enforcement of environmental and criminal laws.