New Delhi, In a move to crack the illicit liquor smuggling network, the Excise Department of the Delhi government has arrested 730 persons and registered 725 FIRs in the last five months.
The raids by the department’s enforcement teams also led to recoveries of 2.20 lakh bottles of illegal liquor and seizure of 197 vehicles during the period, a CMO statement said on Sunday.
These routes create the possibility of illegal liquor being smuggled into the city. To this end, the government is also working on an effective excise policy. Delhi shares geographical boundaries with neighbouring states and has around 70 entry points, both large and small, according to the department officials. During this period, 197 vehicles carrying illegal liquor were seized, the statement said.
She said the government’s priority is to ensure adequate availability of legal liquor during festivals so that Delhi residents do not face any inconvenience, while also effectively curbing the sale and smuggling of illegal liquor.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who also holds the excise portfolio, said that the government is working on a new excise policy focused on public safety, quality and revenue growth. The department said enforcement activities would be stepped up further in view of the upcoming festive season. Chief Minister Gupta said the Delhi government is following a zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal liquor trade.
