Balasore: Around 41,000 litres of fermented liquor (pocha)’ and 500 litres of manufactured country liquor were destroyed during a joint raid carried out by police and excise officials in Old Balasore area in the district on Tuesday.
Police were tipped off regarding the fermented liquor hidden in a pond.
“On the direction of SP, a joint team of Police, excise and forest department personnel led by two DSPs carried out a raid and destroyed 41,000 wax and 500 liters of illicit liquors. Around 10 quintals of firewood was also seized,” IIC Galuram Soren said.
Equipment and materials used for liquor making were also seized, he added.
“The manufacturers had planned to produce more liquor ahead of Puja festival. Most of people in the area are engaged in the illegal business. We have tracked down five people and case will be registered against them, Soren added.
Five persons engaged in the business managed to escape. Police launched a manhunt to nab them, the IIC informed.
