Excise Department Steps Up Crackdown on Illicit Liquor; Over 54,000 Liters Seized Since April.
Shimla:
In a major statewide crackdown, the Excise Department has intensified its action against illicit liquor, seizing 54,945 liters of illegal alcohol and lahan since April this year. The department has already registered 523 cases in the current financial year as special enforcement teams continue raids across multiple districts.
According to official data, authorities have confiscated 21,637.166 liters of illicit liquor and 33,308.900 liters of lahan from various parts of the state. The month-wise and region-wise breakup reveals a sustained and targeted approach toward curbing the illegal trade.
In the southern region of Shimla, teams seized 309.340 liters of illicit liquor and 12 liters of lahan last month. The central region of Mandi reported the confiscation of 2,678.225 liters of illicit liquor and 14 liters of lahan, while the northern region of Palampur saw the seizure of 529.150 liters of illicit liquor along with 4,870 liters of lahan.
Additional seizures were made in other districts, including 286.09 liters in Police District Baddi, 2,090.625 liters in Kullu, 528.350 liters in Mandi, and 286.045 liters in Una.
A significant breakthrough occurred in October when the department raided several operational illegal distilleries in villages Milwan, Thakurdwara, Barota, Bela Ludacha and Ulehriyan in the Damtal area of Police District Nurpur. The distilleries were dismantled and destroyed on the spot after completing legal formalities.
In line with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s directives, the Excise Department has formed 35 special teams at the district level to strengthen enforcement. These include four teams each in Kullu and Chamba, three each in Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Una, and the Nurpur police district. Two teams have been deployed in Kangra, Sirmaur, Hamirpur, and the BBN police district, while Kinnaur has one team.
Excise Commissioner Yunus stated that the government is maintaining strict vigilance to ensure illegal activities do not impact state revenue. “The government is committed to curbing the illicit liquor trade through sustained enforcement. Strict action is being taken as per the law,” he said.
He also urged the public to support the campaign by reporting any information related to illegal liquor activities. Citizens can contact the department via telephone at 0177-2620426 or WhatsApp at 94183-31426, as well as through zonal helplines: 0177-2620426 (South Zone), 01894-230186 (North Zone), and 01905-223499 (Central Zone).
The intensified crackdown signals the state government’s firm stance against illicit liquor operations and its commitment to protecting public health and state revenue.
