Principal Secretary Excise, Government of Uttar Pradesh Mr. Sanjay R. Bhoosreddy has told that as Excise shops were closed during the lockdown because of pandemic (covid-19), there was a threat of manufacturing and sale of illicit liquor during this period. Hon’ble Chief Minister of the State Shri Yogi Aditya Nath has directed to control the trade of illicit liquor in the state and to severely punish the persons indulged in such activities.
In order to prevent the manufacturing and sale of illicit liquor, direction was issued to the district authorities in the entire state to conduct continuous special drive. During this period 25.03.2020 to 10.05.2020 in all the districts of Uttar Pradesh 7152 cases were registered and 1,78,656.2 litre of illicit liquor was seized, 970 persons indulged in the buisness of illicit liquor were sent to jail and 67 vehicles were also seized. All persons arrested and vehicles seized have been prosecuted under the relevant sections of Excise Act, Indian Penal Code and Motor Vehicle Act.
Principal Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh Excise Department has also told that direction has been issued to the department to regularly conduct special enforcement drive in the State against sale and manufacture of illicit liquor and to prevent manufacture, sale, transportation and smuggling of illicit liquor in the state.
