Special teams dismantle illicit liquor networks across border villages in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam

Visakhapatnam: The Andhra Pradesh govt, as part of its flagship programme Navodayam 2.0, has launched a crackdown on illicit distilled (ID) liquor in the state. The programme aims to eradicate ID liquor from Andhra Pradesh and promote a liquor-free society. To achieve this goal, the prohibition and excise departments of Vizianagaram division and Srikakulam district conducted special inter-state raids in the Andhra-Odisha border villages located in Rayagada and Gajapati districts of Odisha.
The joint raids, carried out with the Odisha enforcement agencies, resulted in significant seizures of ID liquor materials. In Vizianagaram division, a large-scale inter-state raid was conducted in Rayagada district, involving around 60 personnel from excise departments of Manyam and Vizianagaram districts, along with teams from AP police departments and Odisha state excise departments.
During the raids, four cases were detected in Vizianagaram division, leading to the arrest of two individuals. The authorities seized 360 litres of ID liquor wash and 7,700 litres of other materials, including 3,000 kgs of Mohwa flowers, 2,400 kgs of black jaggery, and 3,900 kgs of ammonia.
In Srikakulam district, four cases were detected, and the teams seized 1,120 litres of ID liquor wash and 10,600 litres of other materials. Across both Vizianagaram division and Srikakulam district, a total of eight cases were registered, with two arrests made. The raids led to the seizure of 1,480 litres of ID liquor wash, 18,300 litres of other illicit material, 3,000 kgs of Mahua flowers, 2,400 kgs of black jaggery, and 3,900 kgs of ammonia.
The enforcement drive marks a significant step in the government's mission to eradicate illicit liquor and promote a liquor-free Andhra Pradesh.