NEW DELHI, September 13 (H.S.): The Delhi Excise Department has intensified enforcement measures to curb the sale and smuggling of illegal liquor in the national capital. Between April and August, the department registered 725 FIRs and arrested 730 people in cases involving the sale and transportation of illicit liquor. During the same period, 197 vehicles allegedly used for transporting illegal liquor were seized.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said in a statement on Sunday that the government was pursuing a policy of zero tolerance towards the illegal liquor trade. With this objective, the Delhi Government is also working on formulating an effective new excise policy.

According to the Excise Department, Delhi’s geographical boundaries are connected to neighbouring states, with nearly 70 entry routes, both major and minor. These routes create the possibility of illicit liquor being smuggled into the capital. In view of this, the department’s enforcement wing maintains continuous surveillance and takes legal action against individuals involved in the sale or transportation of illegal liquor.

During the corresponding April-August period of the financial year 2025-26, the department had registered 315 FIRs and arrested 312 people. During that period, 112 vehicles were seized and approximately one lakh bottles of illicit liquor were recovered. Enforcement activities have increased significantly during the corresponding period this year. In the financial year 2026-27, between April and August 2026, the department registered 725 FIRs and arrested 730 people in cases related to the sale and transportation of illegal liquor.

During this period, 197 vehicles carrying illegal liquor were seized, while approximately 2.20 lakh bottles of illicit liquor were recovered. Action is also being taken in cases of violations of regulations at licensed premises. In such cases, seven FIRs have been registered, the concerned bars have been sealed, and fines have been imposed on those found violating the rules, along with other statutory action.

According to the Excise Department, enforcement activities will be further intensified in view of the upcoming festive season in Delhi. The department’s objective is not only to take stringent action against elements involved in the illegal liquor trade but also to ensure the availability of liquor through legitimate channels in the national capital. To this end, the supply of bonded liquor will be ensured through retail outlets operated by government corporations and ‘on-premises’ establishments such as hotels, clubs and restaurants.

The Chief Minister said that the Delhi Government was following a policy of zero tolerance towards the illegal liquor trade. The government is also working on a new excise policy aimed at strengthening public safety, ensuring responsible regulation of the liquor trade and maintaining quality standards, while also increasing government revenue.

She said that ensuring adequate availability of legally supplied liquor and effectively curbing the sale and smuggling of illicit liquor are among the government’s priorities so that Delhi residents do not face any inconvenience during the festive season. Strict action against those violating the law will continue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar