In a major crackdown on the illegal liquor trade, a joint team of police and Excise Department officials carried out raids in Odisha’s Koraput district on Thursday and destroyed multiple illegal country liquor brewing units operating in remote pockets of the Nandapur area.

The raid was conducted after officials received specific information regarding illegal country liquor brewing activities in Bhimariput village under Nandapur block.

Brewing Units Operating Near Riverbanks, Hills

According to sources, the illegal liquor units were allegedly functioning in secluded areas near riverbanks and hilly stretches close to the village in an attempt to avoid detection by enforcement agencies.

Acting on the tip-off, the joint team launched a large-scale raid and demolished more than five illegal country liquor brewing units during the operation.

Officials also destroyed huge quantities of “pocha”, the fermented substance commonly used in the preparation of country liquor.

During the crackdown, large amounts of liquor and fermented materials were reportedly emptied onto roads and nearby open areas while the brewing units were being dismantled.

Illegal Supply Network Suspected

Sources said officials suspect the liquor produced at these units was being supplied to nearby villages and local markets for illegal sale.

The operation created considerable buzz in the locality as villagers gathered near the spot to witness the raid and destruction drive.

Police and Excise officials also conducted searches across multiple locations around the village to identify other possible brewing points hidden in forested and interior pockets.

Crackdown To Intensify Further

Excise officials said the department has intensified action against illegal liquor manufacturing and sale in different parts of the district.

Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against persons involved in operating illegal liquor units or supplying illicit country liquor.

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The department further stated that similar raids would continue in the coming days as part of efforts to dismantle the illegal liquor network in the region.