Bhubaneswar, 8 September (H.S.): The Odisha Excise Department stepped up its enforcement drive on September 7, registering 168 cases, including three under the NDPS Act, as part of its state-wide crackdown on illicit liquor and narcotics.

According to an official release, enforcement squads arrested 30 persons while 65 were released under Section 35 of BNSS. The teams seized 11,399 litres of ID liquor, 112,360 litres of fermented wash, and 8,460 litres of gur wash, effectively dismantling large-scale brewing setups. Additionally, 203 litres of out still liquor, 50 litres of country spirit, and 46 bulk litres of beer were confiscated.

In the narcotics category, officials recovered 21 kg of ganja and 385 grams of heroin (brown sugar). A total of 15 vehicles used for transporting the contraband were also impounded.

The estimated value of the seized materials stood at ₹1.31 crore for the day, taking the cumulative seizures from September 1 to September 7 to ₹7.91 crore.

Reaffirming its commitment, the Excise Department said sustained and coordinated enforcement measures will continue across all districts to curb the illicit liquor trade and narcotics network in Odish

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda