Bhubaneswar, Sept. 26 -- On the 24th day of the ongoing Special Enforcement Drive, Odisha Excise officials intensified operations across the state and seized contraband valued at Rs. 1.73 crore.

According to official sources, enforcement teams registered 274 cases and arrested 144 persons.

The crackdown led to the seizure of 16,600 BL of illicitly distilled (ID) liquor and 512 BL of duty-paid liquor, along with the destruction of 1,65,405 BL of wash used in manufacturing illicit liquor.

Officials also seized 3 kg of bhang and 16 vehicles used in the illegal trade.

In a major development, 12 cases under the NDPS Act were booked during the drive, resulting in the seizure of 86 kg of ganja and 302 grams of heroin, delivering a significant ...