Did Ahmedabad Police Just Uncover an Illegal Liquor Factory?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The raid resulted in the seizure of over 300 litres of raw materials for illegal liquor.
- Authorities are investigating the tenant who is currently absconding.
- This operation is part of a broader crackdown on illicit liquor in Gujarat.
- Significant seizures have been made across the state in recent months.
- The state monitoring cell has confiscated alcohol valued at Rs 22.52 crore in 2024 alone.
Ahmedabad, Sep 1 (NationPress) The authorities in Ahmedabad executed a raid on an illicit liquor manufacturing operation located in a rented residence near Fatehwadi Canal, as confirmed by an official on Monday. This operation resulted in the seizure of more than 300 litres of raw materials, which included flavouring essence, an alcohol meter, and nearly 2,000 empty bottles that were allegedly intended for packaging counterfeit liquor.
Officials assessed that the confiscated materials are valued at approximately Rs 50,000.
According to police sources, this establishment was involved in producing counterfeit “English liquor”.
Upon the arrival of the raid team, they found the premises locked. However, with assistance from the landlord, they gained entry and discovered the stock. The tenant, suspected to be operating the facility, is currently on the run.
Sarkhej Police Inspector S.A. Gohil stated that initial investigations indicate the suspect was manufacturing fake liquor using chemicals, and efforts are ongoing to determine if the supply chain extends beyond Ahmedabad. “The accused has been identified and will be apprehended shortly,” he mentioned.
This raid is part of the ongoing campaign by Gujarat Police against bootlegging, in accordance with the state’s prohibition laws.
In 2025, the police intensified their efforts against illicit liquor, leading to significant seizures across various districts. This includes IMFL worth Rs 1.26 crore found hidden in a tanker at the Gujarat–Madhya Pradesh border in Dahod, 15,456 bottles of counterfeit liquor valued at Rs 54 lakh in Ahmedabad, 8,596 bottles worth Rs 1.19 crore in Surendranagar’s Chotila, and another consignment worth Rs 65.18 lakh in Vadodara, in addition to other seizures such as liquor valued at Rs 30.57 lakh from a gas tanker near Dahod.
Official data indicates that the Gujarat State Monitoring Cell confiscated alcohol worth Rs 22.52 crore in 2024, and over the past two years, liquor valued at Rs 191 crore has been seized. This highlights both the scale of smuggling operations and the state's heightened enforcement measures.