Rourkela, Jun 19: In a major crackdown on illegal liquor trade, the Rourkela Excise Department has seized 180 litres of counterfeit foreign liquor being smuggled into Odisha from Jharkhand.

The operation, conducted near the Jharkhand Market in Sector 19, Ambagan, led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of two vehicles used in the transportation.

According to officials, the fake liquor was being illegally transported from Jharkhand and distributed across various locations in Rourkela and Sundargarh district, including roadside eateries and dhabas. The estimated market value of the seized liquor is around ₹2.5 lakh.

The excise team also recovered fake stickers and bottle caps, indicating a well-organized racket aimed at passing off low-quality or spurious liquor as premium foreign brands.

The arrested individuals have been identified as MD Akhtar, Pradeep Parida, and Rajesh Dey, all residents of Rourkela.

Acting on a tip-off, the excise team laid a trap and intercepted the consignment near the Jharkhand Market. The accused were caught red-handed while attempting to distribute the fake liquor. Two cars used in the smuggling operation were also seized.

Authorities suspect that the racket had been operating for some time, with Jharkhand serving as the primary source of the counterfeit liquor. Investigations are ongoing to trace the broader network and identify other potential collaborators.

The Excise Department has reiterated its commitment to curbing the illegal liquor trade and has urged the public to report suspicious activities. This seizure is part of a larger anti-bootlegging drive aimed at protecting public health and ensuring lawful trade practices.

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