Festival season raids expose massive illegal liquor and drug network in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Nov 12: In a major crackdown on illegal liquor and narcotics trade during the festive season, the Odisha Excise Department has seized contraband worth a staggering Rs 45.57 crore in a month-long statewide enforcement drive.

The special campaign, launched to curb the sale and transportation of illicit liquor and narcotic substances during the festival period, was conducted across the state from October 10 to November 10.

The operation uncovered an extensive network of illegal activities involving country liquor, fake foreign liquor, ganja, heroin and other intoxicants.

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According to the Excise Department, a total of 7,826 cases were registered during the month-long drive, leading to the arrest of 3,764 individuals. The large-scale operation also resulted in the seizure of several types of narcotic substances and illicit liquor.

Officials said 3,201 kg of ganja, 6.36 kg of heroin and 150.5 litres of cough syrup were confiscated during raids conducted across various districts.

In addition, enforcement teams seized 4.28 lakh litres of illicit country liquor, 1,045 litres of counterfeit foreign liquor and 14,193 kg of mahua flowers used in illegal liquor production.

To curb the manufacturing of spurious liquor, authorities also destroyed 40.60 lakh litres of fermented liquor-making wash during the campaign. As part of the enforcement measures, 442 vehicles allegedly used for transporting illegal liquor and narcotic substances were seized.

The Excise Department further stated that raids, inspections and surveillance measures would be intensified in the coming months to combat substance abuse and protect people from the harmful effects of drugs and illegal liquor.