Did Vadodara Police Just Seize Foreign Liquor and Arrest a Smuggler?

Vadodara, May 19 (NationPress) The Vadodara Rural Local Crime Branch (LCB) in Gujarat has made significant strides in its relentless battle against prohibition-related crimes, successfully confiscating foreign liquor worth over Rs 57 lakh and apprehending one suspect.

Following a precise tip-off during routine patrols, the LCB team executed a strategic operation, intercepting a substantial shipment of foreign liquor. A suspect was taken into custody, and an official report was filed at the Karjan Police Station.

Officials report that the LCB had received credible intelligence regarding a large shipment of foreign liquor being transported from Surat to Vadodara via Bharuch in an Eicher tempo. Acting on this information, a surveillance checkpoint was established near Sagar Hotel along the National Highway connecting Bharuch to Vadodara.

The targeted tempo was quickly identified and halted for inspection. Upon examination, authorities uncovered numerous cartons containing foreign liquor and beer. The total estimated value of the seized contraband stands at Rs 57.22 lakh. Along with the liquor, the tempo and various materials, including tarpaulin sheets, were confiscated, bringing the total value of the seized items to Rs 67.29 lakh. The driver of the tempo, identified as Rajesh Venamshil Jeswani, a resident of Raj Society in Naroda, Ahmedabad, was arrested on-site.

Law enforcement has filed an FIR against both the driver and the individual connected to the supply of the illicit liquor. Authorities confirmed that additional legal actions are in progress against the suspects.

Despite being a dry state under the Gujarat Prohibition Act since 1960, instances of illegal foreign liquor trafficking continue to emerge, indicating the presence of a persistent and organized black market.

Foreign liquor, which encompasses imported and branded alcoholic beverages not produced locally, is frequently smuggled into Gujarat through neighboring states such as Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and union territories like Daman and Diu. These areas boast relatively lenient liquor regulations, making them key transit hubs for bootleggers who exploit Gujarat's extensive and porous borders.

Data from the Gujarat Prohibition and Excise Department reveals that thousands of liters of foreign liquor are seized annually. In 2023 alone, liquor valued at over Rs 250 crore was confiscated statewide, with significant seizures reported from districts like Surat, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ahmedabad. Smugglers employ innovative techniques to transport liquor, including concealing it in fuel tankers, commercial vehicles, and private cars, often utilizing fake permits or decoy shipments to avoid detection.