Bhubaneswar, Sep15: Odisha’s Excise Department continues to intensify its crackdown on illicit trade with major successes reported on Day 14 of the ongoing Enforcement Special Drive, officials said on Monday. The state-wide operation led to the seizure of contraband worth nearly Rs1.45 crore, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward illegal liquor and narcotics.

Excise teams registered 167 cases and arrested 40 individuals involved in various violations. Among the seizures were 12,388 bulk litres of illicitly distilled liquor, 328 bulk litres of duty-paid liquor, and over 1,16,975 litres of wash—used in the production of illegal alcohol. Additionally, 5,720 kilograms of mohua flowers were confiscated, and 21 vehicles used for transportation of contraband were impounded.

Two significant NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases were booked during the drive. In a major breakthrough, the Enforcement Intelligence & Enforcement Bureau (Southern Division) busted a ganja trafficking network near Balisira Chhak in Aska, Ganjam district. Six bootleggers from Kandhamal were arrested, and 50 kilograms of ganja were seized along with an Innova car, two Pulsar motorcycles, and five Android mobile phones. Authorities suspect the consignment was routed from Baliguda to Bhubaneswar, and further arrests are anticipated.

In another NDPS case, enforcement teams recovered 85 grams of heroin, tightening the net around drug syndicates operating in the region.

Excise officials reaffirmed their commitment to sustained enforcement, stating that the drive will continue with full force in the coming days to dismantle illegal networks and safeguard public health.