In a major enforcement operation aimed at dismantling illegal alcohol networks, the police in Nicobar District launched a massive jungle raid in Perka on May 31, 2025, under the supervision of senior law enforcement officials. The crackdown resulted in the destruction of 4,500 litres of fermented wash and the seizure of illicit distillation equipment, marking a significant escalation in the administration’s fight against the manufacture and distribution of unauthorized liquor in the islands.
Acting on credible intelligence inputs, a coordinated police unit, including personnel from the Car Nicobar Police Station, advanced into the forested interiors of Perka. The area, known for its challenging terrain and dense vegetation, had reportedly become a hub for covert liquor distillation operations. The team, led by the Superintendent of Police for Nicobar District and operationally directed by the Station House Officer of PS Car Nicobar, carried out a meticulously planned raid designed to catch the culprits off guard.
During the operation, law enforcement officials uncovered plastic containers hidden deep in the undergrowth. These containers held “lahen,” a fermented liquid used in the production of country-made liquor. The entire batch, around 4,500 litres, was destroyed on site to prevent any potential retrieval or misuse.
Further inspection led to the discovery of several distillation units and associated paraphernalia. The seized equipment has been taken into police custody and will form part of a wider investigation aimed at identifying the individuals or networks behind the operations. No arrests were reported at the time of this release, but police sources confirmed that further intelligence is being pursued to track down those responsible.
The crackdown forms part of a district-wide campaign to stem the proliferation of illicit liquor, which poses both public health and law-and-order challenges. According to police data, this year alone has seen the destruction of 11,890 litres of lahin and the seizure of 259.8 litres of illegally brewed liquor across Nicobar.
The entire operation was conducted under the direct monitoring of Aditya Kumar, SDPO Campbell Bay, with overall supervision by Superintendent of Police (District) Rahul L Nair. Authorities emphasized the importance of such raids in deterring illegal activities that undermine both community safety and the rule of law.
Police officials reiterated their call for public cooperation in maintaining vigilance against criminal activities. Citizens are urged to report any suspicious operations or individuals to the police via helpline numbers 112, 03192-265223, or 9531856152. Officers assured that all information will be treated with strict confidentiality and that informants may be eligible for rewards.
The illicit liquor trade, often linked with health hazards, economic exploitation, and ancillary crimes, remains a serious concern in remote and forested regions where monitoring is difficult. This latest operation signals a more aggressive posture by law enforcement in ensuring that these networks are identified, neutralized, and held accountable under the law.
As investigations continue, police have indicated more raids are expected in the coming weeks. The crackdown appears to be a clear warning to those engaging in illegal liquor manufacturing that the state’s patience has run out, and that the forests of Nicobar will no longer be a refuge for criminal enterprise.
