‘web’ of liquor smuggling spread from Arunachal to Assam, revealed in ED raid; Government seals were also recovered

ED Raids Arunachal Pradesh liquor smuggling: Central agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken major action against the alleged big illegal liquor smuggling network in Arunachal Pradesh and raided nine locations across the state. This action was taken on establishments involved in wholesale liquor business. ED’s Guwahati zonal office conducted the search operation on Thursday (April 23) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The raids were conducted in Itanagar, Naharlagun, Seppa, Ziro, Daporijo, Namsai and Roing.

The agency said in a statement issued on Saturday that the investigation was initiated on the basis of several FIRs registered by the Assam Police, in which cases of illegal liquor transportation and smuggling from Arunachal Pradesh to Assam had come to light. Apart from this, reference was also received from Assam Excise Department.

Tribal partnership-use of dummy license

The ED had registered a case on the matter on October 17, 2024, after which 173 additional FIRs were also included, expanding the scope of the investigation. Earlier on February 4, 2025, raids were conducted on the premises of three major liquor manufacturers of Arunachal Pradesh, who are considered to be the leaders of this network. Investigation revealed that this syndicate used to smuggle liquor by taking advantage of the difference in excise duty between the states. According to the ED, the network included manufacturers, bonded warehouses and wholesalers.

In this case, tribal partnerships and dummy license holders were used to hide beneficial ownership, while liquor destined for Arunachal Pradesh was sold illegally in Assam and other states.

unit operated with dummy license

The investigation by the investigating agency Enforcement Directorate has so far revealed that the three main accused control more than 25 entities. Each unit was run under benami or dummy licenses in the name of local people, while the real financial and managerial control rested with the kingpins. ED said that 51 percent to 90 percent of the total deposits in the bank accounts examined were found in the form of suspicious cash deposits. Also, invoices of less than Rs 2 lakh were distributed in a planned manner. More than 200 bills worth Rs 1,99,554 were found at one location in a single month.

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Suspicious cash worth Rs 40 lakh seized

On-site managers during the raid also confirmed the control of the key accused. Accounts, stock registers and daily cash collections were sent to the central offices of the ringleaders. Suspicious cash worth about Rs 40 lakh was also seized during the operation. Apart from this, 14 seals were recovered from one of the premises, including the seals of “Excise Department, Government of Arunachal Pradesh”. Preliminary investigation suspects that these were used in making fake transport permits. ED said that further investigation in the case is going on.

With agency input…