Bhubaneswar, Sep 19: Excise officials seized contraband worth Rs1.60 crore and arrested as many as153 individuals from across the state on the 18th day of the ongoing Enforcement Special Drive.
The intensified operations reflect the government’s aggressive stance against illegal liquor and narcotics networks.

Massive Liquor Seizures and Vehicle Confiscations
Enforcement teams detected 254 cases during the latest sweep. Among the seizures were 10,606 bulk litres of illicitly distilled (ID) liquor, 603 bulk litres of duty-paid liquor, and 11 litres of duplicate liquor. Additionally, over 1,07,523 litres of wash—used in illegal distillation—were destroyed on-site.

As many as 20 vehicles involved in the transportation of contraband were also confiscated, dealing a blow to the logistics backbone of these operations.

Narcotics Crackdown Intensifies
The drive also targeted drug-related offences, registering 13 NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases. Officers recovered 163 kilograms of ganja and 245 grams of brown sugar, underscoring the state’s commitment to curbing narcotics smuggling and distribution.

Sustained Action Against Illicit Networks
The Enforcement Special Drive, launched to dismantle organized networks involved in illegal liquor and drug trade, continues to gain momentum. Authorities have reiterated their focus on deterrence, community safety, and strict legal action against offenders.

The success of Day 18 highlights the effectiveness of coordinated enforcement efforts and the importance of sustained vigilance in tackling contraband activities across Odisha’s districts.