The recent crackdown on illicit liquor trade along the Andhra Pradesh-Odisha border has marked a significant milestone in the state’s ongoing battle against smuggling and brewing operations. Under the ‘Navodayam 2.0’ initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched a coordinated enforcement effort to tackle the illegal liquor trade across its borders with Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This initiative has led to a series of large-scale seizures, the destruction of illegal liquor, and the dismantling of several brewing setups, signaling a firm stance against illicit activities.
Led by Principal Secretary Mukesh Kumar Meena, the Prohibition & Excise Department has mobilized a team of 381 officers, including 228 from Andhra Pradesh and 153 from neighboring states, to conduct raids in the border districts. Commissioner Nishant Kumar and Enforcement Director Rahul Dev Sharma have spearheaded these operations, covering various high-risk regions and yielding significant results in the fight against illicit liquor.
According to Mr. Nishant Kumar, the recent raids in Srikakulam and Parvathipuram-Manyam districts bordering Odisha resulted in the destruction of over 49,000 liters of fermented jaggery wash and the seizure of more than 2,000 liters of illicit distilled (ID) liquor. Similarly, in ASR district bordering Telangana, enforcement teams destroyed 25,300 liters of fermented jaggery wash in locations like Gunduvari Gudem and Pichhukulapadu, disrupting illegal brewing activities in the area.
In Chittoor, along the Tamil Nadu border, authorities took down 50 brewery units in preventive operations, although no production activities were found. In Anantapur and Sri Satya Sai districts near the Karnataka border, enforcement teams cracked down on 11 cases, destroyed over 1,600 liters of fermented jaggery wash, and apprehended multiple individuals involved in the illicit liquor trade, indicating a widespread impact across different border regions.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
Commissioner Nishant Kumar stressed the significance of cross-border collaboration in combating illicit activities and commended the involvement of Central forces like the CRPF in Telangana’s Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) zones. Enforcement Director Rahul Dev Sharma reaffirmed the commitment to continuing operations under the Navodayam 2.0 initiative with increased vigor to dismantle liquor networks effectively. This crackdown not only aims to curb cross-border liquor smuggling but also sets a precedent for multi-state enforcement cooperation, paving the way for a more robust and coordinated approach to tackling illegal activities.
As the Andhra Pradesh government intensifies its efforts to combat illicit liquor trade, the recent crackdown along state borders underscores the authorities’ unwavering commitment to upholding law and order, safeguarding public health, and ensuring the safety of communities. By targeting smuggling and brewing operations through strategic enforcement actions, the state is sending a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated, and those involved will face consequences for their actions.
In conclusion, the recent inter-state crackdown on illicit liquor trade showcases the collaborative efforts and resolute determination of authorities to root out illegal activities and maintain the integrity of the law. Through coordinated enforcement actions, the Andhra Pradesh government is making significant strides in curbing cross-border smuggling and disrupting illicit liquor networks, setting a strong example for future enforcement initiatives and signaling a firm stance against unlawful practices. This decisive step not only strengthens law enforcement efforts but also underscores the importance of inter-state cooperation in combating illicit activities, ensuring a safer and more secure environment for all residents.
