The Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav, held a review meeting with the Department of Excise & Prohibition at Lok Bhavan, Kohima, on August 11, 2026, to take stock of the department’s functioning, enforcement activities, revenue collection and challenges.
The department, in its presentation, outlined its mandate under the Nagaland Excise Act, 1967, Nagaland Excise Rules, 1972, Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989, Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Rules, 1990, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Highlighting its enforcement activities from April 2021 to March 2026, the department reported cases registered under the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act and drug-related cases. The seizures during the period included IMFL, country liquor, poppy straw, opium, heroin, cough syrup and other drugs in the form of capsules/tablets.
On revenue generation, the department reported a total excise revenue collection of ₹2,250.66 lakh (₹22.51 crore) during the period from April 2021 to March 2026. The annual collection 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 construction of Excise Offices at Phek and Peren and an Excise Bonded Warehouse at Dimapur.
The department highlighted its drug awareness campaigns, recent seizure operations and destruction of seized drugs and liquor as part of its ongoing enforcement and public awareness efforts.
Among the major challenges highlighted were the porous borders, shortage of manpower, absence of cadre review since the inception of the department, discontinuation of inter-district check-gates, outdated firearms, limited operational mobility and persistent demand-driven illicit liquor. The department noted that its personnel-to-population ratio stands at 1:6,000, compared to 1:2,000 in Mizoram.
The department’s future roadmap focuses on strengthening enforcement, combating organised crime, protecting public health, enhancing governance, increasing revenue, capacity building of personnel and advancing towards a drug-free Nagaland.
The Governor stressed the importance of strengthening enforcement mechanisms and institutional capacity to effectively address the challenges posed by illicit liquor and drug trafficking, while ensuring that the department continues to contribute towards public health, effective governance and a safer society.
The review meeting provided an opportunity to assess the department’s achievements, identify operational gaps and deliberate on measures for strengthening its enforcement and administrative capabilities.
Secretary, Excise and Prohibition, T. Wati Aier and other officials were present during the meeting.
(PRO Lok Bhavan)
