Massive Crackdown by Rajasthan Excise Department: 5.6 Lakh Liters of ‘Wash’ and Illicit Distilleries Destroyed, 922 Smugglers Arrested

Jaipur: Following the strict directives of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to completely dismantle the illegal liquor network in the state, the Rajasthan Excise Department has executed a highly successful month-long enforcement drive. The special preventive campaign, which ran from May 1 to May 31, 2026, was carried out under the direct leadership of Excise Commissioner Mr. Namit Mehta.

The state-wide crackdown resulted in the seizure of illicit liquor worth crores of rupees, the destruction of illegal local distilleries, and massive arrests. During this intensive drive, the department registered 2,046 cases and arrested 922 smugglers involved in the illegal trade.

Statistical Overview: Massive Haul of Liquor and Vehicles Confiscated

The comprehensive data of illegal liquor seized and raw materials destroyed by the Excise Preventive Force across various districts is detailed below:

Surgical Strike on Manufacturing Units: In a major blow to the liquor mafia, enforcement teams raided brewing manufacturing units on the ground and destroyed a record 5,62,984 liters of ‘wash’ (the raw base material used to brew country liquor) along with several illicit distillation furnaces.

94 Vehicles Seized in the Supply Chain Net

To effectively choke the distribution networks on highways and local routes, the department confiscated a total of 94 vehicles used for smuggling:

• Heavy Vehicles (Trucks/Containers): 15
• Light Four-Wheelers (Cars/Jeeps): 13
• Three-Wheelers (Auto-rickshaws): 1
• Two-Wheelers (Motorcycles/Scooters): 65

Major Highway Seizures: Multi-Lakh Interceptions Detailed

During the campaign, the excise department intercepted several large truck containers smuggling non-duty paid liquor from neighboring states across major expressways and national highways:

• Hanumangarh (₹90 Lakh): A massive consignment of IMFL meant ‘for sale in Punjab only’ was intercepted in a truck on the Bharatmala Expressway.
• Kota (₹1.3 Crore): In two separate operations near the New Gopalpura Toll Plaza on National Highway 52, officials seized illicit liquor worth ₹60 lakh and ₹70 lakh respectively from two trucks.
• Barmer/Balotra (₹62 Lakh): A truck carrying illegal liquor worth ₹62 lakh was seized during a blockade on the Amritsar-Jamnagar Bharatmala Expressway.
• Jodhpur/Osian (₹58 Lakh): A joint operation by the Jodhpur and Pali excise teams led to the seizure of an illegal liquor truck valued at ₹58 lakh on the Bharatmala Expressway.
• Dausa (₹50 Lakh): During a highway blockade on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, a truck carrying Punjab-marked IMFL worth ₹50 lakh was intercepted.
• Udaipur/Kherwara (₹35 Lakh): A truck container packed with Chandigarh-marked liquor worth ₹35 lakh was seized near the Khandi Obri Toll Plaza.

Additionally, a significant consignment of illicit liquor was recovered from a mini-truck in Jalore district.

Strengthened Intelligence and Inter-Departmental Coordination

Excise Commissioner Mr. Namit Mehta personally monitored the daily progress of the campaign via video conferencing. To maximize the impact, the department fortified its local informant network and worked in close coordination with the local police and the Government Railway Police (GRP). This synchronized strategy successfully crippled major inter-state smuggling rings operating within Rajasthan.

Disclaimer: This news article is prepared based on the official press release, statistical statements, and public data issued by the Excise Department, Government of Rajasthan on June 1, 2026. For specific legal updates, official metrics, or verification of the cases, readers are advised to check the official portal of the Rajasthan Excise Department.