Following reports of illegal opium cultivation in the state, Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai has adopted a strict stance on the matter. The Chief Minister has issued clear directives that the cultivation of illegal narcotic drugs will not be tolerated in the state at any cost. He has instructed all officials of the government and administration to investigate the matter seriously and ensure stringent action against those involved.
In compliance with the Chief Minister’s directives, the Commissioner, Land Records Chhattisgarh, has issued instructions to all District Collectors to conduct a comprehensive survey of sensitive and potential areas in their respective districts. Collectors have been directed to complete the survey within 15 days and send a detailed report to the government with a certificate of their signature, clearly stating whether illegal opium cultivation is being carried out anywhere in the district.
Recently, cases of illegal opium cultivation have surfaced in a few places in the state, against which the administration has taken swift and strict action. In the case of illegal opium cultivation in Samoda village, Durg district, three accused have been arrested. In this action, a large quantity of opium plants were seized and destroyed, and a case was registered against the accused under the NDPS Act. The illegal possession was removed using a JCB machine.
Similarly, in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district, under Korandha police station area, a joint team of Revenue, Police, and Forest departments took action and busted illegal opium cultivation spread over approximately 1.47 acres of land in Turripani (Kajuri) village. During the operation, about 18 quintals and 83 kilograms of opium plants (worth approximately Rs 2 crore) were seized, and two accused were arrested and a case was registered against them under sections 8 and 18 of the NDPS Act.
The state government has clarified that no one involved in the cultivation, storage, transportation, or trade of illegal narcotic drugs will be spared. Chief Minister Shri Sai has said that a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted against illegal narcotic drugs in the state, and the strictest legal action will be taken against individuals found involved in such cases.