In a massive crackdown against illicit liquor and drugs, the Telangana Prohibition and Excise Department has arrested 651 persons and registered 841 cases across the state between June 12 and June 21. The special enforcement drive was launched following directions from Director of Enforcement, Avinash Mohanty, who assumed charge recently. The drive targeted the production, transportation, and consumption of illicit country liquor, non-duty paid liquor, narcotic substances, and marijuana. The primary objective of the operation was suppressing illicit liquor manufacturing and distribution networks.
A State-wide special drive was undertaken from June 12 to June 21, involving Special Task Force (STF), Enforcement and District Task Force (DTF) teams, along with excise station personnel. They carried out coordinated raids and inspections across Telangana, seizing 119 vehicles allegedly used in the commission of offences. The department seized 3,191 litres of illicitly distilled liquor across the jurisdictions of ten Excise Deputy Commissioners.
Additionally, 64,435 litres of jaggery wash used in the manufacture of illicit liquor were destroyed, and 8,377 kg of jaggery was seized. Warangal recorded the highest number of cases related to illicit liquor, with 260 cases registered and 206 persons arrested. The district also saw the seizure of 1,400 litres of illicit liquor.
Karimnagar reported the second-highest enforcement activity, with 108 cases registered, 76 arrests, and the seizure of 310 litres of illicit liquor. Other districts, including Nalgonda, Adilabad, Ranga Reddy, Hyderabad, and Medak, also reported significant seizures of illicit liquor and non-duty paid liquor. The department seized 362.72 litres of non-duty paid liquor during the special drive, with Ranga Reddy district recording the highest NDPL seizure at 206.56 litres.
Apart from liquor-related offences, excise officials seized 114.32 kg of marijuana, 41 grams of MDMA, 310 grams of cocaine, and 6.3 grams of heroin during the enforcement operations.
