Jharsuguda: The district police carried out a major anti-illicit liquor operation on Friday in Mohanpur and Ujalpur villages under Belpahar police limits.
The raid was jointly conducted by Belpahar PS and Lakhanpur PS teams with support from Brajrajnagar Police, armed forces, and in the presence of the Executive Magistrate.
Police apprehended nine persons involved in illegal liquor manufacturing and sale. Officers seized 722 litre of illicit Mahua liquor, 47 quintals of Mahua flower, 10 kilograms of urea, and other brewing materials. Authorities also destroyed approximately 12 quintals of fermented Mahua pocha on the spot.
Nine excise cases were registered under relevant provisions of the Odisha Excise Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police are verifying the criminal antecedents of the accused.
Officials said Jharsuguda Police remain committed to strict action against illegal liquor manufacturing and trafficking to safeguard public health and maintain law and order.