Specific intelligence developed by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), indicated that illicit cultivation of cannabis (ganja) was being carried out over a large area within a wildlife sanctuary near village Jamniapani, Shirpur, District Dhule, Maharashtra. Acting on the intelligence, a joint team officers of DRI, and Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), reached the wildlife sanctuary near village Jamniapani, Shirpur, District Dhule, Maharashtra on 14.10.2026.

The team traced illicit cannabis cultivation across five stretches of land in a remote and densely forested area of the sanctuary, covering a total area of 2.87 hectares (7.08 Acres). The operation posed significant challenges due to the inaccessible terrain, wild animals and lack of mobile network connectivity. The officers proceeded with due diligence and necessary safety precautions and successfully completed the operation. After completing all requisite legal formalities, the cannabis crop was destroyed using a rotavator in the presence of officials from the Police and Forest Department. Further investigation is in progress.

Illicit cannabis in wildlife sanctuary near village Jamniapani, Shirpur, District Dhule, Maharashtra

DRI and CBN will continue such destruction operations of illicit cultivation across India and reaffirm their commitment to combating the illegal narcotics trade and fostering a drug-free and safe environment for the future.

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KT/KMN

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