Soaring Wings

Mizoram is declared a 'dry' state but many smuggled alcoholic drinks for the black market.

Aizawl, December 27: The Mizoram Excise & Narcotics department in the last 11 months in 2009 collected more than Rs186 lakhs on liquor related fine.

The department also arrested 2692 persons of whom 55 were foreigners, stated a leading newspaper based in Aizawl today. The newspaper highlighted that the department received Rs.166, 43,826 during the same period from Foreign Liquor & Spirit. From fine & confiscation, the dept. received Rs. 16, 52,103 while on other liquor related fines excise & narcotics department received Rs. 3, 30,950.

The seizure by the department does not end here, in fact, the department also seized country liquor (local made) amounting to 49836.955 litres from illegal sellers across Mizoram.

Officials from excise department revealed that 120558 tins of fermented rice and 370.587 kgs of yeasts used for making local liquor were seized. He further revealed that 20061 bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and huge quantity of beer ranging from ordinary and canned ones during this period.

The department also seized number of vehicles used on liquor related business. These includes 19 two wheelers, 2 three wheelers, 104 LMV, 1 MMV and 5 HMV.

According to Mizoram Liquor Total Prohibition (MLTP) Act, 1995, the department filed cases against 2472 persons. On the other hand, 354 persons were arrested on Mizoram Excise Act (ME Act, 1973) while 357 persons were filed cases against the act. 55 foreigners were included in this gruop.

According to Lalbiakmawia Khiangte, Commissioner, Mizoram Excise & Narcotics department, his department also seized large quantity of drugs during the same period and arrested 211 persons on NDPS Act, 1985 and 131 persons were also arrested on Assam Drugs Control Act, 1950.

Newmai News Network