1,000L of ‘Lahan’ seized, destroyed

In a major crackdown on illegal liquor trade, the Excise and Taxation Department seized and destroyed approximately 1,000 liters of illicit locally-produced liquor, known as 'Lahan,' in the Naggar forest area of Manali subdivision. Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner Manoj Dogra stated that the liquor was stored in six drums and manufactured on-site at a large scale. No individuals were present during the raid, and the liquor was destroyed following departmental procedures. The manufacturing equipment was also seized.

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Manoj Dogra emphasised the department's ongoing commitment to combating the illegal production and sale of alcohol, which poses risks to public health and safety. "This successful operation demonstrates our efforts to protect the community and enforce regulations," he said. The departmental inspection team included Assistant Commissioner Jeevan Vatsi, Excise Officer Phool Chand, and Assistant Excise Officers Pankaj Rana, Rakesh Kumar, and Suresh Sharma.

Illegal liquor production is common in the region, with hidden distilleries manufacturing cheaper alternatives to licensed alcohol. However, the lack of quality control in these operations raises significant health concerns, including the risk of harmful contaminants. While locals often produce small quantities of liquor for personal consumption, large-scale illicit production has been linked to fatal poisoning incidents in the country.