Berhampur: Huge quantities of country liquor and three firearms were seized by police in Ganjam and Gajapati districts during surprise raids conducted under ‘Operation Strike’ on Tuesday night, on the eve of Makar Sankranti.“During the operation, we have seized a 7 mm pistol, two SBML country-made guns, and three live ammunition from different places. At least four persons were arrested in this connection,” said Subhendu Patra, SP (Ganjam). “Police also registered six gambling cases and seized Rs 87,590 in cash, 15 mobile phones, 3 motorcycles and issued notices to 35 people,” he said.Around 2,247 litres of country liquor, 20 kg of jaggery and 25 kg of urea seized from manufacturing units during the operation. “Action has been taken against 39 people per the law,” he said. Similarly, over 20 kg of ganja were seized and two persons were arrested.The SP said around 156 vehicles were checked on the national highway, with a stolen scooty seized during verification. “A total of nine hostels and lodges were searched during the period,” he said.The SP said they also arrested 47 people, against whom warrants were pending, from different places in Ganjam.In Gajapati, 25 vehicles were seized and cases registered against the riders for alleged drunk driving. “Around 148 litres of country liquor were seized and 11 people arrested in this connection,” said SP (Gajapati), Jatindra Panda. He said they also searched hostels and lodges across the district.
