Chandigarh, January 12 ; Punjab Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema made an announcement today. He stated that a special operation group carried out an interception. The group, which includes the Mohali Excise team and Mohali Police, intercepted a truck near Handesra. They seized 220 cases of Liquor Seized“For Sale in Chandigarh Only.” He said that they had launched this operation as part of a special campaign conducted across the state over the past few days to tackle the persistent menace of illegal liquor smuggling from Chandigarh (U.T.).

“Excise Minister Details Major Liquor Smuggling Seizures in Punjab”

The Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema detailed the operation. He revealed that this seizure is one of six major instances in recent times. Smugglers were bringing liquor into Punjab from Chandigarh. He stated that police registered FIR No. 01 on 11.01.2025 under Sections 61(1)(14) and 78(2) of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, at Police Station Handesra. Additionally, authorities registered six more FIRs at different police stations in the Mohali district. These FIRs relate to other liquors smuggling cases from Chandigarh. This has resulted in the seizure of 42 cases of various liquor brands.

Liquor Seized : “114 FIRs Registered, 30,096  Bottles Seized: Minister Cheema”

Minister Cheema further stated that, as of 31.12.2024, authorities have registered 114 FIRs related to liquor smuggling from Chandigarh in the current financial year. Additionally, they have recovered 30,096 liquor bottles in these cases. He emphasized that both the Excise Department and Punjab Police are steadfastly adopting a zero-tolerance policy towards liquor smuggling. Furthermore, he assured that the ongoing campaign will be further intensified with continued cooperation from the Punjab Police. He also added that strict legal action will target anyone involved in liquor smuggling, leaving no room for leniency.

“Finance Minister Warns Against  Smuggling, Urges Public Vigilance”

Finance Minister Harpal Singh emphasized that liquor smuggling is illegal and, as such, a punishable offence. Moreover, it significantly harms the State’s revenue under the Punjab Excise Act, 1914. He assured that authorities would not spare any individual involved in such activities. Offenders, he noted, would face severe consequences as per the law. In addition, he urged the people of Punjab to report any such activities to the department. By doing so, they could help prevent further revenue loss to the state.