Aizawl, Jul 20 (PTI) At least 49 people have died of complications related to alcohol consumption between January and June this year in dry Mizoram, a senior official said on Sunday.

The government has been making massive efforts to curb the menace of drug, alcohol and other substance abuse, Excise and Narcotics department Commissioner Z Lalhmangaiha said.

"According to our records, 49 people, including five women, died because of complications related to alcohol consumption between January and June this year in the state," Lalhmangaiha said.

The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act prohibits the manufacture, consumption, sale and import of liquor in the state. However, a section of people either brew it locally or bring it from outside Mizoram illegally.

Lalhmangaiha said that inspections are being carried out at hotels and restaurants to find out if they are selling alcohol in violation of the law.

The commissioner said that department officials are regularly conducting night patrolling in Aizawl and other district headquarters to ensure peace in the society. PTI COR NN

Liquor prohibition prompts intensified enforcement after alcohol-related deaths; inspections and night patrols target illegal brewing and sales. The Mizoram Liquor (Prohibition) Act frames enforcement after alcohol-related fatalities, with intensified inspections of hotels and restaurants, routine night patrolling in Aizawl and district headquarters, and administrative efforts by the Excise and Narcotics department to curb illicit local brewing and external importation that breach the statutory ban on manufacture, sale, consumption and import of liquor.