Ahmedabad seizes ₹20.6 crore liquor in two years, outpacing Gujarat’s ₹16.51 crore legal sales

Liquor worth ₹20.60 crore was seized in Ahmedabad over the past two years—exceeding the ₹16.51 crore earned by the Gujarat government from legal liquor sales through permit holders during the same period, according to replies tabled in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly.

The figures, disclosed in response to questions raised by MLAs, have drawn attention amid ongoing allegations in political circles that prohibition in the state is being gradually diluted.

Permit liquor revenue over two years

As per the Assembly replies, revenue from health liquor permit fees stood at ₹7,88,68,000 in 2024–25 and ₹8,63,15,000 in 2025–26. Together, this took total earnings from legal liquor sales to ₹16.51 crore across the two financial years.

Gujarat continues to enforce prohibition, with liquor consumption permitted only for eligible individuals holding valid health or special permits.

Seizures in Ahmedabad surpass official sales

In a separate response, the government stated that in Ahmedabad alone, liquor worth ₹20.60 crore—including both foreign and country-made varieties—was confiscated over the same two-year period.

In 2024–25, liquor worth ₹6.98 crore was seized. The figure rose to ₹13.62 crore in 2025–26.

The total value of liquor seized in Ahmedabad during these two years thus exceeded the revenue generated statewide through the regulated permit system.

Drug seizures decline year on year

The replies in the Assembly also detailed narcotics recoveries in Ahmedabad.

In 2024–25, authorities seized drugs worth ₹16.66 crore and other narcotic substances valued at ₹89 lakh. In 2025–26, seizures fell to ₹3.86 crore worth of drugs and ₹1.68 lakh worth of other narcotics.

Anti-drug cells have been set up in every police station, though the year-on-year data reflects a decline in the value of seizures in the second year.

Enforcement drives and disciplinary action

Police action against the illegal liquor trade has been reported in areas including Sola, Sarkhej, Chandkheda, Sardarnagar, Naroda, Odhav, Shaherkotda, Ramol and Amraiwadi.

The Crime Branch reportedly seized more than 1.25 lakh bottles of liquor and 320 kg of drugs during enforcement drives.

In Ahmedabad and Surat, action against illegal liquor and narcotics trade led to the arrest of 24,793 accused persons, while 316 suspects remain absconding.

The government further stated that 614 police personnel--including 40 officers and 574 staff members—faced disciplinary action such as inter-district transfers, suspension, fines and denial of increments for alleged involvement in, or negligence related to, illegal liquor and drug activities.

The disclosures place side by side the scale of enforcement action and the revenue generated through the permit system over the same period.