Nagaland Guv stresses need for stronger enforcement against illicit liquor, drugs

Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Tuesday stressed the need to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and institutional capacity to effectively tackle trafficking of illicit liquor and drugs.

Speaking at a review meeting with the Department of Excise and Prohibition at Lok Bhavan here, the governor emphasised that the department must address operational and manpower constraints while continuing to contribute to public health and effective governance.

According to a Lok Bhavan statement, during the meeting, the department highlighted several challenges affecting enforcement, including porous borders, shortage of manpower, discontinuation of inter-district check-gates, outdated firearms and limited operational mobility. The department noted that its personnel-to-population ratio stands at 1:6,000, compared to 1:2,000 in Mizoram.

Reviewing its enforcement record from April 2021 to March 2026, the department reported cases registered under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act and drug-related cases.

Seizures during the period included Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), country liquor, poppy straw, opium, heroin, cough syrup and other drugs in the form of capsules and tablets.

The department also highlighted recent seizures, destruction of seized drugs and liquor, and drug awareness campaigns.

The department reported total excise revenue collection of Rs 22.51 crore between April 2021 and March 2026.

Annual collections increased from Rs 3.17 crore in 2021-22 to Rs 5.92 crore in 2025-26.

The department’s future roadmap focuses on strengthening enforcement, combating organised crime, protecting public health, enhancing governance, increasing revenue, building personnel capacity and advancing towards a drug-free Nagaland, the statement added.