Did Gujarat Police Uncover a Major Liquor Smuggling Operation?
Synopsis
In a daring operation, Ahmedabad Police have dismantled a sophisticated liquor smuggling ring, seizing over 10,000 bottles of foreign liquor hidden beneath helmets in a truck. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal liquor trade in Gujarat and the importance of vigilance in law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
A total of 10,749 bottles of foreign liquor were seized.
The liquor was hidden beneath 1,053 helmets in a truck.
The operation highlights ongoing issues of liquor smuggling in Gujarat.
Authorities are investigating the broader network behind the operation.
Proactive measures by police are crucial in combating illegal activities.
Ahmedabad, Feb 9 (NationPress) The police in Ahmedabad have successfully dismantled a significant liquor smuggling operation, uncovering a large stash of foreign liquor cleverly concealed beneath a shipment of helmets. During this operation in the Narol region of the city, officials apprehended a truck driver, according to reports released on Monday.
Acting on reliable intelligence, the PCB team positioned themselves for surveillance near Sainath Parking on the S.P. Ring Road, adjacent to Aslali Circle, where they intercepted a truck late Sunday night for a thorough inspection.
Upon conducting a meticulous search, officers uncovered a staggering amount of foreign liquor hidden beneath 1,053 helmets situated in the upper section of the truck.
Authorities noted that this concealment method was likely intended to evade detection during routine inspections.
Upon examination, police found a total of 10,749 bottles of foreign liquor, valued at approximately Rs 63,86,608. The helmets added an extra value of Rs 5,25,447.
In addition to the truck, which is registered in Himachal Pradesh, a mobile phone and cash were also confiscated. The total estimated value of the seized items exceeds Rs 84.22 lakh.
Initial investigations indicated that the shipment originated in Chandigarh and was en route to Junagadh, violating Gujarat’s prohibition laws.
The detained driver, identified as Johnny Baldevsinh Chandel, a 38-year-old from Hawani village in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, is currently being interrogated to uncover the source and intended recipients of the cargo.
An officer from the police department remarked that bootleggers frequently disguise illicit liquor shipments as legitimate goods to circumvent state border checks, emphasizing that alert surveillance coupled with timely intelligence is crucial for intercepting such operations.
The Narol police station is collaborating with other agencies to identify the larger network behind this smuggling operation.
This seizure is part of a series of recent successful operations in Gujarat. In October 2025, the Sola High Court Police Surveillance Squad intercepted a truck near Gota Bridge, which was carrying boxes labeled as hospital medicine but concealed 5,520 bottles and tins of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth around Rs 30.9 lakh.
Two individuals from Punjab were taken into custody in that instance.
Similarly, in a separate incident in September 2025, at Kapurai crossroads in Vadodara, the Special Monitoring Cell seized 8,231 bottles of IMFL valued at Rs 44.93 lakh from another pickup truck.
The vehicle was confiscated, and police are actively working to identify the suspects involved.
Point of View
This incident sheds light on the intricate networks involved in liquor smuggling, revealing the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety. The Ahmedabad Police's proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to upholding the law and combating illegal activities that undermine societal norms. It is imperative that we support such initiatives to ensure the integrity of our communities.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was found during the Ahmedabad Police operation?
The Ahmedabad Police seized 10,749 bottles of foreign liquor concealed beneath 1,053 helmets in a truck.
Who was arrested in connection with the liquor smuggling?
Johnny Baldevsinh Chandel, a 38-year-old truck driver from Himachal Pradesh, was arrested.
Where was the liquor shipment originally loaded?
The shipment was loaded in Chandigarh and intended for Junagadh.
What is the total estimated value of the seized items?
The total estimated value of the confiscated liquor and helmets is over Rs 84.22 lakh.
What measures are being taken to address liquor smuggling in Gujarat?
The Narol police station is collaborating with other agencies to investigate and trace the broader network involved in the smuggling operation.
