Excise department seizes over 2 lakh illicit liquor bottles, 730 held

Between April and August this year, the Excise Department of the Delhi Government registered 725 FIRs and arrested 730 people in cases involving the sale and transportation of illegal liquor. During this period, 197 vehicles carrying illegal liquor were seized. 

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 Chief Minister's Office (CMO) statement said on Sunday.
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. According to the Excise Department, Delhi shares geographical boundaries with neighbouring states and has around 70 entry points, both large and small. 

These routes create the possibility of illegal liquor being smuggled into the city. Keeping this in mind, the department's enforcement wing maintains constant surveillance and takes legal action against those involved in the sale or transportation of illegal liquor.

According to the Excise Department, during the corresponding period from April to August in the financial year 2025-26, it registered 315 FIRs and arrested 312 people. During this period, 112 vehicles were seized and around one lakh bottles of illegal liquor were recovered. Enforcement activities have increased significantly during the same period this year. Between April and August 2026, during the financial year 2026-27, 725 FIRs were registered, and 730 people were arrested in cases involving the sale and transportation of illegal liquor. 

During this period, 197 vehicles carrying illegal liquor were seized and around 2.20 lakh bottles of illegal liquor were recovered. Action is also being taken against violations of rules at licensed premises. In such cases, seven FIRs have been registered, and action has been taken to seal the concerned bars, impose fines on those violating the rules and initiate other legal proceedings. The department said enforcement activities would be stepped up further in view of the upcoming festive season. 

The Chief Minister said the Delhi Government was following a zero-tolerance policy 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, maintaining quality and increasing Government revenue.

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.