On 26 March 2026, authorities conducted a raid in the dense Talbagan Forest in North and Middle Andaman after receiving credible information on illicit liquor production. The operation targeted an area near Talbagan village suspected of illegal brewing activity.
During the raid, officials recovered approximately 370 litres of illicit Lehan stored in plastic and iron drums hidden within the forest. No individuals were present at the site, and no claimant came forward for the seized stock. Following standard procedures, all recovered liquor, containers, and materials used for brewing were destroyed on-site.
The operation reflects ongoing surveillance in forested regions where illicit liquor production often occurs in remote locations, beyond regular monitoring. These clandestine activities involve storing unregulated alcohol in improvised containers, presenting both legal and health risks to local communities.
Authorities emphasized that continued vigilance is necessary to prevent the production and distribution of illegal alcohol. Residents in the area are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement while remaining anonymous. Public cooperation is considered essential in curbing unregulated liquor operations.
The Talbagan Forest area has been a repeated site for illegal brewing, with enforcement actions periodically targeting hidden operations. Remote and densely wooded locations are frequently chosen by offenders due to limited accessibility and monitoring challenges. This latest seizure forms part of broader efforts to ensure compliance with legal regulations governing alcohol production.
The destruction of the recovered stock marks the completion of the enforcement action in this instance. No arrests were reported during the operation, and investigations are ongoing to identify individuals involved in organizing and operating the illicit brewing activities.
Authorities highlighted that such raids are crucial to protecting communities from the potential harms of unregulated alcohol and maintaining law and order in North and Middle Andaman. The operation also serves as a reminder that remote regions remain under observation for illegal activities.
