Cattle Smuggling and Illicit Opium Cultivation Busted in Odisha

Odisha Police have intensified enforcement operations against organised crime networks, busting major cattle smuggling rackets in Mayurbhanj district and destroying illegal opium cultivation inside Similipal National Park, officials said. The coordinated crackdowns highlight the state’s push to curb activities that threaten wildlife, border security, and rural livelihoods.

In Mayurbhanj, police rescued over 300 cattle during multiple operations targeting smuggling networks operating in border areas. Investigators said the animals were being transported illegally, often in inhumane conditions, for sale across state borders. Several accused were arrested, vehicles were seized, and further investigations are underway to trace the larger network involved in the trade.

Separately, security forces and forest officials carried out a major operation inside Similipal National Park, where they destroyed illicit opium poppy cultivation worth an estimated ₹1.7 crore. The illegal farms were found deep inside forested areas, posing serious threats to biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and local communities. Authorities said such cultivation often fuels organised crime, drug trafficking, and exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Officials noted that Similipal, a critical tiger reserve and biosphere area, has increasingly been targeted by criminal groups seeking to exploit difficult terrain and limited access. The destruction of illegal crops is part of a sustained campaign to reclaim forest land and disrupt narcotics supply chains.

The state government has emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards wildlife crime, smuggling, and narcotics cultivation. Enhanced coordination between police, forest departments, and central agencies has been key to recent successes.

Experts point out that cattle smuggling and illegal opium cultivation are often linked to broader criminal ecosystems involving money laundering, violence, and cross-border trafficking. Such activities also undermine legitimate livelihoods and environmental conservation efforts.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to continued surveillance, community engagement, and intelligence-led operations to dismantle these networks. The recent busts signal a stronger enforcement posture aimed at protecting Odisha’s natural resources, safeguarding animal welfare, and ensuring rule of law in sensitive regions.