Excise Department intensifies crackdown on illicit liquor

Shimla Mar 09

State Taxes and Excise Commissioner Dr. Yunus said here today that the department is taking stringent action against illicit liquor trade through in the state. He said that during the financial year 2024-25, up to February 2025, a total of 1, 23,940 bulk liters of illicit liquor had been seized, and 4,41,918 bulk liters of lahan (raw material for liquor) had been destroyed. So far, 754 cases related to illicit liquor and lahan have been registered this financial year.

Dr. Yunus highlighted a recent operation in Excise District Nurpur, where a department team intercepted a Bolero pickup truck near Bajira during a special checkpoint. Upon inspection, 72 cartons of illicit liquor were found inside the vehicle, with no valid documentation. Legal action was taken under the Himachal Pradesh Excise Act, 2011.

In another case, on 24th February, 2025 during a check point near the Excise Barrier at Garamora in Bilaspur district, a vehicle travelling from Kiratpur Sahib, Punjab, to Himachal Pradesh was stopped for a routine inspection. Authorities found 300 cartons (2,340 bulk liters) of liquor without proper documentation. Further examination revealed that the beer was labelled “For Sale in Punjab.” Legal action was promptly taken in accordance with the law.

Dr. Yunus also said that in February, 2025, department confiscated a total of 5,126 bulk liters of illicit liquor from various districts, including 1,250 bulk liters from Solan district and 2,342 bulk liters from Bilaspur district.

The Excise Commissioner emphasized that the department is intensifying its efforts to combat illicit liquor trade. Special focus is being placed on strengthening intelligence networks and enhancing coordination with other departments. He urged citizens to report any information related to illicit liquor activities via phone or Whatsapp at 94183-31426 or email at controlroomhq@gmail.com to help curb such unlawful activities.