Odisha Arrests 3,764 In Month-Long Crackdown, Seizes Contraband Worth Rs 45.57 Crore

The Odisha Excise Department arrested 3,764 people and seized contraband worth Rs 45.57 crore during a month-long special enforcement drive across the state, officials said on Wednesday.

The drive, conducted between October 10 and November 10, was aimed at curbing the illegal manufacture, sale and transportation of liquor and narcotic substances during the festival season, they said.

During the operation, enforcement teams registered 7,826 cases and seized substantial quantities of narcotics, illicit liquor and other contraband, according to officials.

The seizures included 3,201 kg of ganja, 6,366 grams of heroin and 150.5 litres of cough syrup. The department also confiscated 14,193 kg of mahua flowers, 1,045 litres of duplicate foreign liquor and 4,28,585 bulk litres of illicitly distilled liquor.

In addition, enforcement teams destroyed more than 40.6 lakh bulk litres of wash, a fermented mixture used in the production of illicit liquor, officials said.

The department also seized 442 vehicles allegedly used for transporting contraband and facilitating the illegal activities.

Officials said the extensive enforcement operation was undertaken to check the circulation of illegal liquor and narcotic substances, particularly during the festival period, when demand for such products is considered a concern for enforcement agencies.

The Excise Department said it would continue its vigilance and enforcement measures across Odisha to prevent the movement of contraband and strengthen efforts to combat substance abuse.

The department is also maintaining surveillance against the illegal manufacture, storage, sale and transportation of intoxicants as part of its wider enforcement efforts, officials added.