Jalgaon: Excise Department Seizes Contraband Worth ₹2.59 Crore; Beer Sales Rise 29%

In the Jalgaon district of the State Excise Department, authorities seized contraband valued at ₹2.59 crore during the six months from April to September. Superintendent Pradeep Pote reported the seizure of 5,37,790 litres of chemical wash, 21,381 litres of illicitly distilled liquor, and 3,196 litres of toddy. Additionally, 1,166 cases were registered, involving 956 suspects, with a total value of seized goods amounting to ₹2,59,13,227. Pote highlighted the department's improved performance compared to the same period last year.

In contrast, during the same six-month period last year, the Jalgaon division seized contraband worth ₹1,81,02,530, registering 1,040 cases involving 1,014 suspects. However, liquor sales saw a rise. Pote noted that 59,28,644 litres of country liquor were sold between April and September, marking a 3.18% increase compared to 57,46,054 litres sold during the same period last year.

Beer sales surged significantly, reaching 56,48,765 litres this year, representing a 29.27% increase from 43,69,752 litres in the comparable period the previous year. Nevertheless, sales of foreign liquor declined by 40.30%, primarily attributed to higher taxes that deterred consumers. Sales of foreign liquor amounted to 20,17,648 litres this year, down from 33,79,659 litres in the previous year.