A team of excise officers moved swiftly under the cover of darkness near Som Fatak in Darjeeling. Their target is a Tata Sumo Vita CX (Registration No. SK-02 J 5293) suspected of possessing illegal liquor from Sikkim. At around 10:00 PM on April 30, the officers intercepted the vehicle, but the driver vanished into the nearby jungle, leaving behind a stash of non-duty paid (NDP) alcohol worth ₹3.7 lakh.
This was just one of two major raids conducted by the West Bengal Excise Department in 48 hours. The second operation, in Soureni Tea Garden near Kurseong, led to another seizure and an arrest. Together, these busts exposed an ongoing smuggling network funnelling untaxed liquor from Sikkim into West Bengal.
Why Sikkim Liquor? The Black Market’s Lucrative Trade
1. Tax Evasion Drives Smuggling
Sikkim enjoys lower alcohol taxes compared to West Bengal, making it a hotspot for bootleggers. A 750ml bottle of whiskey in Sikkim may cost ₹200, while the same bottle in Darjeeling sells for ₹600–₹850 after taxes. Smugglers exploit this gap, transporting liquor without paying West Bengal’s excise duties, leading to massive revenue losses.
2. High Demand in Darjeeling’s Tourism Economy
Darjeeling attracts millions of tourists yearly, many seeking affordable alcohol. Illegal Sikkim liquor, sold under the counter, offers cheaper options, fueling demand. Local bars and small shops sometimes stock these bottles to maximize profits.
3. The Risks of Non-Duty Paid Liquor
Unlike regulated alcohol, NDP liquor bypasses quality checks. Counterfeit or adulterated products can pose serious health risks, including poisoning. The Excise Department’s Department’s crackdown aims to curb tax evasion and public health threats.
The Raids: How Excise Officers Caught the Smugglers
April 30: The Midnight Chase Near Som Fatak
Acting on a tip-off, the Darjeeling Excise team set up a checkpoint near Som Fatak. When the Tata Sumo approached, officers signalled it to stop. Instead, the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into the forest. They found hundreds of bottles of Sikkim-made alcohol without West Bengal tax stamps.
“The driver escaped, but we are tracing the vehicle’s owner,” said an Excise Department officer, Pratik Rai. “This seizure disrupts a key supply line.”
May 1: The Tea Garden Ambush in Soureni
Another tip led officers to Soureni Tea Garden a day later, between Soureni Bazar and Hallane Busty. After a brief chase, they stopped a four-wheeler packed with NDP liquor. This time, the driver was arrested, and the vehicle was impounded.
“These operations show our commitment to stopping illegal liquor trade,” said an Excise official from Kurseong.
How Smugglers Operate: Routes and Tactics
1. The Sikkim-Darjeeling Smuggling Route
Smugglers use backroads through tea estates and forested areas to avoid police checkpoints. Common entry points include:
- Rangpo Border (Sikkim-West Bengal) – A key crossing for illegal transport.
- Mirik-Soureni Route – Dense tea gardens provide cover for nighttime movements.
2. Smugglers’ Tricks
- Nighttime Deliveries: Most seizures happen after dark when visibility is low.
- Decoy Vehicles: Some smugglers use multiple vehicles to confuse authorities.
- Bribes and Collusion: There are suspicions that some local informants tip off smugglers, though no direct evidence has surfaced yet.
Economic Impact: How Much Does West Bengal Lose?
The ₹3.7 lakh seizure represents just a fraction of the illegal trade. Experts estimate West Bengal loses ₹50–100 crore annually in excise revenue due to Sikkim liquor smuggling.
- Legal Liquor Price: ₹600–₹850 per bottle (with tax).
- Smuggled Liquor Price: ₹300–₹500 per bottle (no tax).
This underground market hurts legitimate businesses while funding illegal networks.
Legal Consequences: What Happens to Smugglers?
Under the West Bengal Excise Act, penalties for transporting NDP liquor include:
- Fines up to ₹1 lakh
- Imprisonment for up to 3 years
- Vehicle confiscation
The arrested driver in the Soureni case faces these charges while authorities continue searching for the escaped suspect from the Darjeeling raid.
Why Is It So Hard to Stop the Trade?
1. Tough Terrain
Darjeeling’s hills, forests, and tea gardens make it easy for smugglers to evade capture.
2. High Profits, Low Risk
With huge demand and significant tax savings, many are willing to take the risk.
3. Limited Enforcement Staff
The Excise Department is stretched thin, making it difficult to monitor every smuggling route.
What’s Next? The Excise Department’s Plan
Officials vow to intensify raids, especially near border areas. They are also working on:
- Increased drone surveillance over key smuggling routes.
- Stronger coordination with the Sikkim police to curb cross-border transport.
- Public awareness campaigns to discourage buying illegal liquor.
“We will track down everyone involved,” said an Excise officer. “This is just the beginning.”
Conclusion: A Crackdown That’s Far From Over
The ₹3.7 lakh liquor bust highlights a persistent problem in West Bengal’s hills. While the Excise Department has scored victories, the trade brigade’s profitability ensures smugglers will keep trying. For now, authorities remain on high alert, ready for the subsequent midnight chase through Darjeeling’s shadowy backroads.
