Jammu: State Excise department conducted more than 350 raids and arrested 10 persons during December to check smuggling and production of illicit liquor in Jammu division, officials said today.
Department sleuths also destroyed over 11 tonnes of lahan (illicit liquor) during the raids last month, Excise Commissioner Tsering Angchuk said.
“More than 350 raids have been conducted in the entire Jammu division to arrest the menace of smuggling of liquor from other states, illicit distillation of liquor and other violations,” he said.
Angchuk said during the last three months, check posts were laid on various national highways to crack down on the toll evasion and smuggling of illicit liquor.
“In the process during December 2015, 10 persons were arrested and cases been lodged in various courts of law against the accused persons for smuggling of liquor meant for sale in other states, illicit distillation of liquor and other ancillary offences,” he said.
“More than 11 tonnes of lahan, meant for manufacturing illicit liquor, has also been destroyed in the entire Jammu division by the Excise sleuths who conducted surprise raids in various areas to arrest the menace of illicit distillation,” he added.
In the process, 248 bottles of illicit liquor were also destroyed on spot, he said.