Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Excise Department intensified its crackdown on illegal liquor and narcotics on Sunday, registering 168 cases across the state and seizing contraband worth Rs 1.31 crore. The operation led to the arrest of 30 persons and the recovery of large quantities of illicit liquor, drugs, and vehicles used for smuggling.
According to an official press release, the enforcement squads confiscated 11,399 litres of illicitly distilled (ID) liquor, along with 112,360 litres of fermented wash and 8,460 litres of gur wash—key raw materials in the production of illegal liquor. In addition, 203 litres of Out Still liquor, 50 litres of country spirit (C.S.) liquor, and 46 bulk litres of beer were seized during the raids conducted across multiple districts.
On the narcotics front, officials recovered 21 kilograms of ganja and 385 grams of heroin, commonly referred to as brown sugar. The crackdown also led to the seizure of 15 vehicles, which were reportedly being used to transport illicit liquor and narcotics.
As part of the operation, 30 persons were arrested, while 65 others were released under the provisions of Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows for conditional release pending further investigation.
The total value of the seized contraband on Sunday stood at Rs 1.31 crore. Since the enforcement drive began on September 1, the cumulative value of all seizures has reached Rs 7.91 crore.
Reiterating its commitment to tackling the illegal liquor trade and narcotics smuggling, the Odisha Excise Department vowed to continue its sustained and coordinated enforcement measures across all districts.
