Himachal Pradesh excise dept seizes more than 21,000-litre illicit liquor, 33,000-litre lahan since April

Additionally, 286.09 litres of illicit liquor were seized in Baddi, 2,090.625 litres in Kullu, 528.350 litres in Mandi and 286.045 litres in Una.

In October, the department seized large quantities of illicit liquor and unearthed several operational distilleries in the villages of Milwan, Thakurdwara, Barota, Bela Ludacha and Ulehriyan in the Damtal area of police district Nurpur. These illegal units were destroyed on the spot after completing necessary legal formalities.

“The Excise Department has constituted special teams at the district level to curb the smuggling of illicit liquor. Through these teams, an intensive statewide campaign is underway to prevent illegal liquor activities. The department has formed 35 special teams, of which four each have been deployed in Kullu and Chamba districts; three each in Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur, Mandi, Una and Nurpur; two each in Kangra, Sirmaur and Hamirpur districts and the BBN police district; and one team in Kinnaur district,” the spokesperson further said.

Excise Commissioner Yunus said the state government is maintaining strict vigilance on illegal activities and taking action as per the law to ensure that government revenue is not adversely affected by the illicit liquor trade.

He appealed to the public to share any information related to illegal liquor production or trade on telephone number 0177-2620426 and WhatsApp number 94183-31426, as well as zonal helpline numbers 0177-2620426 (South Zone), 01894-230186 (North Zone) and 01905-223499 (Central Zone), which are operated by the department. He said public cooperation is essential for curbing such illegal activities.