Rayagada, Jan 5: Police in Rayagada district have achieved a major breakthrough by seizing 356 litres of illegally transported foreign liquor and arresting two persons in connection with the smuggling racket, a source said on Monday.

The seizure was made from a Mahindra Bolero vehicle during routine patrolling after the police received specific intelligence inputs. Acting on the tip-off, cops from Ramanaguda police station intercepted the vehicle and recovered a large consignment of foreign liquor of different brands, which was being transported illegally.

The arrested persons have been identified as Anuj Kumar Yadav, a resident of Bihar, and Ganesh Himirika from Debadala village under Chandili police station limits. Both were taken into custody at the spot, police said.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized liquor was being smuggled from Rayagada district towards Gajapati district. Officials said the transportation was being carried out without valid documents, in violation of excise laws.

Police sources said efforts are now underway to trace the origin of the liquor, identify the intended destination, and determine who was supposed to receive the consignment. Investigators are also probing whether more people are involved in the smuggling network.

The seized vehicle and liquor have been taken to the police station for further legal action. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Excise Act, and further investigation is in progress, police said.

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Officials added that intensified checking and patrolling have been launched in the region to curb illegal liquor transportation and dismantle organised smuggling operations.