In a continued effort to clamp down on illegal liquor production and trafficking, the Excise Department reported significant seizures on the tenth day of its Special Enforcement Drive, which began on December 20.
Officials registered 212 cases across the state, leading to the arrest of 63 individuals, including one booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The day’s operations resulted in the confiscation of contraband valued at ₹76.61 lakh. Among the recoveries were 8,524 bulk litres of illicitly distilled liquor and 377 bulk litres of duty-paid liquor. Enforcement teams also destroyed or seized 78,500 bulk litres of fermented wash, 10,000 kg of gur wash, 274 kg of mahua flowers, and 70 grams of brown sugar, disrupting key elements of the illicit supply chain.
A highlight of the day’s actions was a raid by the Koraput Excise team on an illegal manufacturing unit in Bondaguda, Kotpad area. The operation uncovered a sophisticated counterfeit foreign liquor setup, yielding 1,545.16 litres of spurious liquor. Authorities also seized a trove of fake packaging materials, including duplicate Excise Adhesive Labels (EALs), company labels, corks, spirits, chemicals, machinery, and other production equipment. This bust underscores the drive’s emphasis on targeting organised networks behind counterfeit and illicit alcohol.
Department officials emphasised that these seizures reflect a strategic focus on dismantling both production hubs and distribution channels. The Special Enforcement Drive is set to continue, aiming to enhance public safety and curb the economic losses from illegal activities in the state.
