The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), India’s apex drug enforcement agency under the Ministry of Finance, has destroyed 5,165 acres of illegally cultivated cannabis in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The operation, called “Operation Parivartan”, took place over one month and represents a significant effort to dismantle drug production networks at their source.
Teams from CBN worked with support from the Forest Department and local police to identify and destroy the crops. The scale of the operation was considerable: officers reached altitudes of approximately 3,500 metres in the difficult Himalayan terrain, trekking daily to remote locations where cannabis was growing.
Key facts
- 5,165 acres (2,070 hectares) of cannabis destroyed in Kullu district
- Operation name: Operation Parivartan
- Maximum altitude reached: approximately 3,500 metres
- Duration: one month
- Supporting agencies: Forest Department and Police Department
- Technology used: ground surveys and drone technology for identification
- CBN operates under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
How the operation was conducted
The destruction of cannabis crops began with identification work. CBN teams used both traditional ground surveys and modern drone technology to locate illegal cultivation across the Kullu district. This dual approach helped them cover the vast and challenging terrain of the region.
Once locations were identified, destruction teams were deployed. The actual work involved daily treks to remote hillside locations, often in extremely difficult conditions. The Himalayan geography presented obstacles, but CBN officers continued the operation wherever cannabis plants were found, regardless of altitude or accessibility.
Role of alternative development
After completing the destruction phase, CBN organised a community dialogue, or “Jan Samvad”, with residents of Malana village. During this meeting, CBN officers discussed alternative development strategies with villagers, particularly focusing on alternative crops that farmers could grow instead of cannabis.
This dialogue reflects CBN’s mandate under the National Drug Policy 2012, which recognises that simply destroying crops is insufficient. The agency is also tasked with helping farming communities transition away from illicit cultivation toward legal and sustainable agriculture. Without viable alternatives, farmers may resume illegal cultivation.
Why destroying crops at source matters
Cannabis destroyed in the field never reaches the illegal narcotics market. By targeting cultivation at the source, CBN interrupts a critical link in the drug supply chain. This approach is considered more effective than trying to intercept drugs after they have been processed and moved through distribution networks.
Illicit cannabis cultivation contributes to India’s drug trafficking problem and fuels organised crime networks. Reducing supply at the source is therefore a key element of India’s broader anti-narcotics strategy.
CBN’s role and mandate
The Central Bureau of Narcotics is responsible for identifying and destroying illegal cultivation of both cannabis and opium across India. As India’s apex drug law enforcement agency, it coordinates with state police and forest departments to conduct these operations. CBN also works to promote drug-free environments and support alternative livelihood development in affected regions.
What this means for you
If you live in or near cannabis cultivation areas, this operation signals increased enforcement against illegal drug production. The destruction of such a large quantity of cannabis reduces the supply of narcotics available in the illegal market, potentially affecting drug availability and pricing in downstream regions.
For farmers in Himachal Pradesh and other regions, CBN’s emphasis on alternative crop development offers a pathway to legal income. If you are a farmer considering illegal crops, the availability of government support for transitioning to legal alternatives is worth exploring through local agricultural extension services.
What happens next
CBN has stated that it will continue similar destruction operations across India. The agency reaffirms its commitment to combating illegal narcotics trade and working toward a drug-free and safe environment in the country.