Bhubaneswar, 14 January (H.S.): The Excise Department on Wednesday carried out a major crackdown on illegal liquor operations in Balasore, seizing and destroying large quantities of illicitly brewed liquor and raw materials used in its production.

The raid was conducted in the Old Balasore area by a special Excise Department team in coordination with local police, following complaints about the ongoing manufacture and sale of illegal country liquor. During the operation, officials recovered substantial quantities of illegally prepared liquor along with materials used for brewing, all of which were destroyed at the spot as per procedure.

Officials said that 15 to 20 persons have been detained so far in connection with the case. The detained individuals are being interrogated to identify the wider network involved in the illegal trade. Authorities indicated that further arrests may follow as the investigation progresses.

The Excise Department stated that such enforcement drives will continue to curb the production and distribution of illicit liquor in the district.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda