Bhubaneswar, Nov 29: Odisha has witnessed a massive crackdown on narcotics over the past three years, with contraband worth nearly ₹200 crore seized across the state.

In a written reply to the Assembly, Odisha Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan revealed that between 2023 and October 2025, drugs valued at ₹197.5 crore were confiscated. The haul included 89,723 kg of ganja, 87,829 grams of brown sugar, and 4,036 bulk litres of cough syrup.

What makes the revelation more alarming is the involvement of government officials in the illegal trade. The department confirmed evidence against 26 officials linked to drug trafficking. Of them, five have been dismissed from service, while disciplinary action has been initiated against 21 others.

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The minister admitted that despite intensified raids, the shortage of personnel has weakened enforcement. Currently, six DSP posts, 15 Excise SI posts, and 666 constable positions remain vacant. Recruitment processes have already begun to fill these gaps and strengthen the fight against narcotics, revealed the Excise Minister.

Alongside the crackdown, Odisha’s excise revenue has seen a sharp rise. Collections grew from ₹5,400 crore in 2020-21 to ₹10,182 crore in 2023-24. In the ongoing financial year 2024-25, excise and GST from liquor sales have already contributed ₹11,429.74 crore. The state recorded sales of 840 lakh litres of IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) in a single year, highlighting the scale of consumption.

The minister also cautioned consumers about counterfeit liquor being sold under licensed outlets. In the past 18 months, three cases of fake liquor have been detected. Regular inspections are being carried out by field staff to curb such practices.

The twin revelations — large-scale drug seizures and rising excise revenues — underline both the challenges and opportunities facing Odisha’s excise department. While the government intensifies its crackdown on narcotics and illicit liquor, the growing revenue from legal sales continues to bolster the state’s finances.