Bhubaneswar, Oct 13 (IANS): Over 1,054 quintals of 'ganja' or cannabis has been seized in Odisha by various state agencies between January 1 and September 30, a record seizure by the state police in any year, DGP Abhay said on Tuesday.

The maximum seizure of the contraband was made from Koraput (413 quintals), Malkangiri (240 quintals), and Gajapati (126 quintals).

While an average seizure of 312 quintals was made in the last 10 years, this figure was 414 quintals in the last five years, he added.

"The Odisha Police has also intensified its financial investigations against organised gangs behind such drug trafficking. The police is determined to combat drug trade in Odisha," Abhay said.

He said the police was relying on satellite mapping data shared by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in identifying areas where 'ganja' is cultivated.

"Action against drug trafficking remains among the highest priorities of the Odisha government. Accordingly, police has accelerated its concerted drive against peddling and consumption of brown sugar and cannabis in the current year," the DGP added.