Excise Department Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Outlets in Nellore

The excise department in SPSR Nellore district has launched a rigorous crackdown on unauthorized liquor outlets, commonly referred to as “belt shops.” From October 1, 2025, to February 16, 2026, officials executed multiple raids across various villages and semi-urban areas, resulting in the booking of 1,244 cases against these illegal operators. An equivalent number of arrests were made, highlighting the scale of the operation.

During this enforcement initiative, authorities confiscated a substantial quantity of illegal liquor, totaling 2,606.85 litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). In addition, 18 vehicles, allegedly used for the transportation of these illicit products, were impounded. Officials have expressed concern that these belt shops not only contribute to revenue loss for the government but also create public disturbances, including issues of overcharging and unregulated consumption.

Targeting Public Consumption and Distillery Operations

The excise department’s efforts have also focused on addressing public drinking. As part of the campaign, 618 cases were registered against individuals found consuming alcohol in public spaces. Penalties were imposed on 620 individuals for these offenses. Special teams were deployed to carry out decoy operations aimed at detecting violations of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), leading to two arrests for selling liquor above the legal price.

Furthermore, the crackdown extended to illicitly distilled liquor. Twelve cases related to this issue were registered, resulting in the arrest of 14 individuals and the destruction of 85 litres of illegally produced liquor, along with 640 litres of fermented jaggery, which is commonly used in its production. Two additional vehicles associated with these operations were seized.

Deputy Excise Commissioner M Sankaraiah noted that repeat offenders are under constant surveillance. The department has requested the district collector to consider alternative livelihood options for those consistently involved in illicit brewing. The problem of illegally distilled liquor is particularly prevalent in the Kavali and Bogole mandals, with hotspots identified in Chenchulakshmipuram, Kapprallatippa, and Biradavolu in the Podalakur mandal.

Challenges in Enforcement Operations

Despite the extensive efforts, the excise department faces significant challenges due to a shortage of personnel. Since 2014, there have been no new recruitments, leaving many excise stations operating below their sanctioned strength. Each station at the panchayat level requires between 10 to 12 constables, along with three head constables, two sub-inspectors (SIs), and one circle inspector (CI). However, many stations currently function with only two or three constables.

A senior official remarked on the difficulties posed by this staffing shortage, stating, “If some of them go on leave, the situation becomes extremely difficult. How can we conduct routine route watch and vehicular checks with such limited staff?”

In addition to the crackdown on illegal liquor, authorities also registered 19 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, seizing 224 kg of ganja and arresting 46 individuals, along with the confiscation of one vehicle.

The ongoing enforcement operations reflect the excise department’s commitment to combatting illegal liquor trade and its associated issues in the region.