The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), both agencies of the Ministry of Finance, have destroyed a large illegal cannabis plantation in a wildlife sanctuary in Maharashtra. On 14 October 2026, a joint team of officers from both agencies moved into the sanctuary near village Jamniapani in Shirpur, District Dhule, following specific intelligence about drug cultivation in the area.
The operation uncovered cannabis being grown across five separate stretches of land within the remote, forested sanctuary. The total area under illegal cultivation measured 2.87 hectares, or about 7.08 acres. After completing legal procedures, the crop was destroyed using a rotavator machine in the presence of state police and forest department officials.
Key facts
- Area destroyed: 2.87 hectares (7.08 acres)
- Location: Wildlife sanctuary near village Jamniapani, Shirpur, District Dhule, Maharashtra
- Date of operation: 14 October 2026
- Agencies involved: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN)
- Number of separate cultivation sites: Five stretches of land
- Method of destruction: Rotavator machine
Operational challenges
The DRI and CBN teams faced several obstacles during the operation. The sanctuary terrain was difficult to access, with dense forest cover. The officers also contended with the presence of wild animals in the area. A lack of mobile network connectivity added to the logistical difficulty of the operation. Despite these challenges, the teams proceeded with appropriate safety measures and completed the destruction successfully.
Cannabis cultivation and enforcement
Cannabis, also called ganja in India, is a controlled narcotic drug. Its cultivation without a licence is illegal under India’s narcotics laws. The DRI is responsible for investigating smuggling and revenue-related crimes, including drug trafficking. The CBN, under the Ministry of Finance, regulates narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, and coordinates enforcement actions against illegal cultivation and trade.
Wildlife sanctuaries, with their remote locations and sparse patrolling, sometimes become targets for illegal cultivation. Growers exploit the difficulty of access and the lower law enforcement presence in such areas. This operation demonstrates that agencies are actively tracking illegal plantations even in protected forest zones.
What this means for you
If you live in or visit areas near wildlife sanctuaries, this operation shows that law enforcement agencies are monitoring illegal drug cultivation. If you suspect cannabis or other drug cultivation in your area, you can report it to local police or to the CBN through official channels. The destruction of large quantities of illegal narcotics prevents drugs from entering the market and reaching consumers, particularly young people.
What happens next
The DRI and CBN have stated that further investigation into the matter is in progress. The agencies have committed to continuing similar destruction operations for illicit cannabis cultivation across India. Both organisations say they will maintain their focus on combating the illegal narcotics trade and reducing drug availability in the country.