Second joint operation this month between AP and Odisha enforcement agencies
PNS|VIZIANAGARAM/SRIKAKULAM
As part of the government’s Navodayam 2.0 programme to eradicate illicit liquor in Andhra Pradesh, the Prohibition & Excise Departments of Vizianagaram division and Srikakulam district conducted special inter-State raids along the Andhra–Odisha border. This marks the second joint operation this month between Andhra Pradesh and Odisha enforcement agencies.
In Vizianagaram division, large-scale raids were conducted in Rayagada district, Odisha. About 60 personnel from Prohibition&Excise and Police Departments of Parvathipuram Manyam and Vizianagaram, and Odisha’s Excise Department participated in the raids. Raids targeted villages such as Sandubadi, Tambalabai and Pansatra. Drone surveillance under the supervision of Parvathipuram Manyam Superintendent of Police aided in detecting hidden illicit liquor pockets.
Similarly, in Srikakulam district, eight teams with 37 members conducted raids in villages like Singupuram, Nerediguda, Sirada, and Gurusingiguda. Around 40 personnel from Odisha’s Excise and Police Departments, along with executive magistrates, participated in the coordinated operation.
The raids resulted in the detection of eight cases and the arrest of two individuals. Authorities seized 1,480 litres of illicit distilled (ID) liquor wash, 18,300 litres of raw materials, 3,000 kg of Mahua flowers, 2,400 kg of black jaggery and 3,900 kg of ammonia.
The success of the operations is credited to the proactive leadership of Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena (Excise and GAD-Political), who provided continuous guidance and daily monitoring. Excise Commissioner Nishant Kumar and Enforcement Director Rahul Dev Sharma also played key roles in coordinating the enforcement efforts, ensuring the drive remained focused and result oriented.
