Did Vadodara Police Uncover a Major Liquor Smuggling Operation?
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Synopsis
In a major operation, Vadodara Police have seized foreign liquor worth over Rs 68 lakh. This crackdown highlights the ongoing battle against illegal liquor smuggling in Gujarat, a dry state facing persistent challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Vadodara police seized foreign liquor valued at Rs 68 lakh.
- Operation led to the arrest of the tempo driver.
- Liquor was cleverly concealed to evade detection.
- Gujarat continues to face challenges in enforcing prohibition.
- Smuggling networks operate across state borders, complicating enforcement efforts.
Vadodara, May 8 (NationPress) - The Vadodara Rural Local Crime Branch (LCB) has ramped up efforts to combat illegal liquor trafficking within the state. They successfully seized foreign liquor valued at over Rs 68 lakh, according to officials on Thursday.
This operation stemmed from a tip-off that led the LCB to intercept a tempo close to Asoj village. One individual was arrested, and a case was lodged at the Jarod Police Station against both the driver and the supplier of the illicit goods.
The incident unfolded when LCB teams, conducting routine patrols, received precise intelligence regarding a closed-body tempo transporting foreign liquor, cleverly concealed beneath rolls of plastic, traveling from Vadodara towards Halol.
In response, officers monitored the vicinity near Asoj village. Upon identifying the specified vehicle, they stopped it and found Nasir Ibrahim Mansuri, a resident of Green Park, Indore, behind the wheel. A subsequent search revealed cartons of foreign liquor hidden behind plastic rolls, apparently intended to evade detection.
The value of the seized liquor stood at Rs 68.14 lakh, while the overall recovery, which included the vehicle, a mobile phone, and cash, was estimated at Rs 78.24 lakh.
During interrogation, the accused disclosed that a man named Javed, also from Indore, had loaded the liquor onto the vehicle on May 6 near the Indore-Rau highway, skillfully hiding it behind packaging materials. The driver was tasked with delivering the consignment in Surat, and upon reaching, he was to contact Javed for further instructions to Halol. However, the authorities intercepted the tempo before the delivery could be completed.
Throughout the years, Gujarat - despite being a dry state under the Gujarat Prohibition Act - has repeatedly faced high-profile liquor smuggling incidents, highlighting the ongoing struggle to enforce prohibition. Smuggling networks, frequently operating across state borders, have turned Gujarat into a hotspot for illegal liquor trade, particularly in areas such as Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Banaskantha, and Kutch.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge that while Gujarat's Prohibition Act aims to curb alcohol consumption, the ongoing smuggling challenges reveal systemic failures in enforcement. This incident is a stark reminder of the need for robust measures to address illegal trade.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total value of the seized liquor?
The total value of the seized foreign liquor was over Rs 68 lakh.
How many people were arrested in the operation?
One person, the driver of the tempo, was arrested during the operation.
Where was the liquor being transported from?
The liquor was being transported from Vadodara towards Halol.
What challenges does Gujarat face regarding liquor smuggling?
Despite being a dry state, Gujarat consistently faces high-profile liquor smuggling cases, highlighting the difficulties in enforcing prohibition.
What are the key areas affected by liquor smuggling in Gujarat?
Key areas affected by liquor smuggling in Gujarat include Surat, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Banaskantha, and Kutch.
