Narcotics Worth ₹1.2 Crore Seized in Nuapada Ahead of November 11 Bypoll

Bhubaneswar: In a major crackdown ahead of the November 11 Assembly bypoll, authorities have seized narcotic substances valued at around ₹1.2 crore in Odisha’s Nuapada district, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) informed on Thursday.

Acting on the CEO’s directive, the district administration and the Excise Department have intensified their drive against illegal liquor and narcotics in the poll-bound region.

According to official data, enforcement teams have confiscated 86 litres of beer, 42 litres of foreign liquor, 6,963 litres of country liquor, and 1,512 litres of smuggled liquor since the Model Code of Conduct came into effect.

In addition, officials seized 60 kilograms of ganja and 1,71,300 kilograms of mahua, collectively valued at approximately ₹1.2 crore. A total of 242 excise cases have been registered, leading to the arrest of 134 individuals. Authorities also confiscated eight two-wheelers and one car used in the smuggling operations.

The bypoll in Nuapada was necessitated following the demise of sitting BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia on September 8. The BJP has fielded his son Jay Dholakia, while the BJD has nominated former minister Snehangini Chhuria. The Congress has chosen tribal leader Ghasiram Majhi as its candidate for the crucial by-election.