In a strong move to curb excise violations ahead of New Year celebrations, the Odisha Excise Department, in coordination with the Police, has seized contraband valued at ₹1.64 crore during the first two days of its Special Enforcement Drive, which began on December 20.
The operation has resulted in the registration of 318 cases, including four under the stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. A total of 134 individuals have been arrested, and 12 vehicles used for transporting illegal goods have been impounded, highlighting the organised nature of these illicit operations.
Enforcement teams destroyed massive quantities of raw materials used in illicit distillation, including 1,89,320 bulk litres of fermented wash, 8,200 kg of gur wash, and 880 kg of mahua flowers. Additionally, authorities 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 (cannabis) and 117 grams of brown sugar (heroin), underscoring the drive’s focus on dismantling drug supply networks.
Excise officials stated that the special drive is aimed at targeting production hubs and disrupting supply chains through sustained, intelligence-led operations.
The drive is expected to continue with intensified raids across the state to prevent the flow of illegal liquor and narcotics during the New Year period.
