Ganjam, July 10: Ganjam Police has seized a huge cache of illegal explosives and arrested 24 persons during a week-long special enforcement drive against illegal possession, storage, transportation and sale of explosive substances.

The drive was carried across all police station limits under the Explosives Act, Explosive Substances Act, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and the Odisha Fireworks and Loudspeaker Regulation Act from July 1 to 7. Notices were also issued as required by law.

According to police, a large quantity of explosive materials, including over 14,000 gelatine sticks, more than 340 detonators, over 1,100 kg of ammonium nitrate, Kelcord explosive cords, blasting wires, gunpowder, sulphur, sodium nitrate, metal powder, illegally stored firecrackers and fireworks, along with vehicles, digging equipment and other materials allegedly used in the offences were seized from the possession of the accused persons.

Major seizures during the drive included 12,400 gelatine sticks and 47 coils of blasting wire by Bellagaon Police. Kabisurya Nagar Police recovered 2,000 gelatine sticks, 50 detonators, 50 kg of ammonium nitrate and blasting wire, while Polasara Police seized 1,000 kg of ammonium nitrate. Chatrapur Police recovered gelatine sticks, detonators, ammonium nitrate and other blasting materials. Several police stations also detected cases involving the illegal storage and sale of fireworks.

The district police said that the special drive will continue to check the illegal manufacture, possession, transportation and sale of explosive substances. It urged the citizens to report any suspicious storage, transportation or sale of explosives to the nearest police station or by calling the emergency helpline 112.