Telangana's War on Illicit Liquor and Drugs: A Year of Crackdown

Drug Seizures (AP)

Posted by AI on 2026-01-01 02:41:05 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 07:10:58

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Telangana's War on Illicit Liquor and Drugs: A Year of Crackdown

The Telangana Excise department has declared a significant victory in its battle against the illegal liquor and narcotics trade, boasting a near-total eradication of country liquor production in the state. In a recent press conference, the department revealed an impressive 90% reduction in natusara, the locally brewed liquor, with a substantial 1.07 lakh litres seized in 2024, dropping to 67,000 litres this year. This achievement is a testament to the department's intensified efforts, which have also targeted the smuggling of liquor, ganja, and other drugs.

The statistics are indeed impressive. The Non-Duty Paid Liquor (NDPL) wing's operations resulted in 1,141 cases, netting 11,500 litres of liquor and 102 vehicles, a notable increase from the 808 cases in 2024. Under the NDPS Act, the department's success is equally remarkable, with 1,304 cases leading to the arrest of 2,333 individuals and the seizure of various contraband, including ganja, MDMA, and LSD. The total value of seized assets reached a staggering Rs 9.40 crore.

Special attention was given to the smuggling of ganja from neighbouring states, with December witnessing a surge in cases. The Excise Commissioner, C. Harikiran, highlighted the department's proactive approach, stating, "We have intensified our actions, and the results speak for themselves." This crackdown has not only disrupted illegal trade but also potentially saved countless lives from the dangers of adulterated liquor and drug abuse.

With the department's efforts yielding such positive results, the focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum. The public's role in reporting suspicious activities and the government's continued support are crucial in ensuring that Telangana remains steadfast in its fight against illicit liquor and narcotics.