Kohima, 11th August 2026 (Nokinketer News): Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav on Tuesday reviewed the functioning of the Department of Excise & Prohibition, including its enforcement activities, revenue collection, infrastructure and operational challenges, at a meeting held at Lok Bhavan, Kohima.

During the review, the department outlined its responsibilities under various laws, including the Nagaland Excise Act, 1967, Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, 1989, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Highlighting its enforcement record from April 2021 to March 2026, the department reported cases registered under the NLTP Act and drug-related offences. Seizures during the period included Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), country liquor, poppy straw, opium, heroin, cough syrup and other drugs in capsule and tablet forms.

The department reported excise revenue collection of ₹2,250.66 lakh (₹22.51 crore) during the five-year period. Annual revenue increased from ₹317.36 lakh in 2021-22 to ₹591.96 lakh in 2025-26.

The review also covered infrastructure development under the Excise Housing Programme for 2025-26, including the construction of Excise offices at Phek and Peren and an Excise Bonded Warehouse in Dimapur.

The department identified porous borders, manpower shortages, the absence of a cadre review, discontinuation of inter-district check-gates, outdated firearms, limited operational mobility and persistent demand for illicit liquor as major challenges. It noted that the personnel-to-population ratio is currently 1:6,000, compared to 1:2,000 in Mizoram.

Drug awareness campaigns, seizure operations and the destruction of seized drugs and liquor were also highlighted as part of the department’s enforcement and public awareness initiatives.

The department’s future roadmap focuses on strengthening enforcement, combating organised crime and drug trafficking, improving public health and governance, enhancing revenue collection and personnel capacity, and working towards a drug-free Nagaland.

Governor Yadav stressed the need to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and institutional capacity to effectively tackle illicit liquor and drug trafficking. He also emphasised the department’s role in promoting public health, effective governance and a safer society.

Source@PRO Lok Bhavan, Kohima