Drive against illicit liquor trade in Delhi

NEW DELHI - Delhi’s excise department has launched a special drive to detect cases of transport or possession of illicit liquor that violates provisions of the city’s new Excise Act which came into effect Monday night.

Delhi Finance and Excise Minister A.K. Walia Wednesday said three vehicles carrying liquor were apprehended following inputs given by the Excise Intelligence Bureau between Oct 6-9.

Also, two cars and a dumper were seized with nearly 2,500 Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) bottles worth Rs.5 lakh from Sonia Vihar and new Usmanpur Thana area, both in northeast Delhi.

According to the new excise law, a fine to the tune of Rs.1 lakh would be slapped for illegally importing liquor or not paying duty on foreign liquor.

Drinking in public would attract Rs.5,000 fine, and drinking and creating a nuisance would invite a fine of Rs.10,000 and a jail term.

The Delhi Excise Act, 2009, replaced the outdated Punjab Excise Act, 1914, which was extended to the national capital.