Bhubaneswar, Odisha : The Odisha Excise Department intensified its enforcement drive on 7th September, registering 168 cases, including three under the NDPS Act, across the state. The day’s operations led to the arrest of 30 persons, while 65 were released under Section 35 of BNSS.
Officials reported major seizures of 11,399 litres of ID liquor, 112,360 litres of fermented wash, and 8,460 litres of gur wash, signalling large-scale destruction of illicit brewing materials. Enforcement teams also confiscated 203 litres of Out Still liquor, 50 litres of C.S. liquor, and 46 bulk litres of beer.
On the narcotics front, authorities seized 21 kilograms of ganja and 385 grams of heroin (brown sugar). In addition, 15 vehicles used for transporting liquor and contraband were impounded. The total value of seizures stood at ₹1.31 crore, pushing the cumulative value of materials seized between September 1 and 7 to ₹7.91 crore.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to curbing the illicit liquor trade and narcotics smuggling through sustained enforcement and coordinated operations across all districts. Officials said the crackdown is part of the state’s zero-tolerance policy against liquor mafias and drug traffickers.
Odisha has struggled for years with the twin challenges of illicit liquor and narcotics trade, both of which pose significant threats to public health and state revenues. The Excise Department’s latest operations, however, underline its determination to dismantle these networks and curb their reach in vulnerable areas.
Also Read : Odisha Excise Department Nets ₹1.42 Crore in Enforcement Drive
