Odisha Excise Seizes Rs 1.64 Crore Contraband in New Year Crackdown
In a sweeping enforcement drive ahead of New Year celebrations, the Odisha Excise Department, in coordination with the Police, has seized contraband worth Rs 1.64 crore within just two days of operations.
The special drive, launched on December 20, aims to dismantle illicit liquor and narcotics networks across the state.
Authorities registered 318 cases, including four under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A total of 134 individuals were arrested, while 12 vehicles used for transporting illegal goods were impounded.
Massive quantities of raw materials used in illicit distillation were destroyed, including 1,89,320 bulk litres of fermented wash, 8,200 kg of gur wash, and 880 kg of mahua flowers.
Additionally, enforcement teams seized 19,175 bulk litres of illicitly distilled liquor and 485 bulk litres of duty-paid liquor diverted for illegal purposes.
On the narcotics front, recoveries included 3 kg of ganja and 117 grams of brown sugar (heroin), underscoring the drive’s focus on disrupting drug supply chains.
Officials emphasised that the crackdown targets production hubs and supply routes through intelligence-led operations.
The enforcement drive is expected to intensify in the coming days, with raids planned across Odisha to prevent the flow of illegal liquor and narcotics during the festive period.
