Gujarat Police Dismantles Illegal Liquor Network, Confiscates 597 Boxes of Foreign Spirits
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Synopsis
In a major operation on Feb 1, the Vadodara Rural LCB seized 597 boxes of foreign liquor worth Rs 38.98 lakh from a container on the Vadodara-Savli road, arresting two individuals involved in the illegal trade.
Key Takeaways
- 597 boxes of foreign liquor seized
- Valued at Rs 38.98 lakh
- Two arrests made
- Operation led by Devraj Singh
- Ongoing investigations into illegal liquor trade
Vadodara, Feb 1 (NationPress) In a significant operation against illicit liquor activities, the Vadodara Rural Local Crime Branch (LCB) in Gujarat has confiscated 597 boxes of foreign liquor, with a total value of Rs 38.98 lakh, from a container located on the Vadodara-Savli road.
The authorities have apprehended the driver of the container along with an accomplice, and a formal complaint has been lodged at the Manjusar police station. Following a tip-off, the LCB team initiated surveillance along the Vadodara-Savli route. During their patrol within the jurisdiction of the Manjusar police station, officers halted a suspicious container.
Upon conducting a thorough inspection, they uncovered the liquor shipment and swiftly detained the driver, Mohammad Shadab Amjad Ali Khan, and a second individual, Arbaaz Shakeel Ansari, both hailing from Bhiwandi, Maharashtra.
Alongside the liquor valued at Rs 38.98 lakh, the police also confiscated the container truck and mobile devices, which brings the total worth of the seized items to Rs 49.08 lakh. The arrested suspects are facing charges under prohibition laws, with further inquiries currently ongoing.
This operation, spearheaded by Unarmed Head Constable Devraj Singh, signifies another achievement for the Vadodara Rural LCB in their relentless pursuit to dismantle the illegal liquor trade. Authorities have ramped up patrol efforts throughout the district, ensuring rigorous enforcement of prohibition regulations.
In the two years preceding March 2023, law enforcement seized illegal liquor and narcotics valued at over Rs 6,400 crore. This figure includes Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 197.56 crore, locally produced liquor amounting to Rs 3.99 crore, and beer valued at Rs 10.51 crore.
Over the three years leading up to March 2024, the police have confiscated around 1.85 crore bottles of foreign liquor and more than 20 lakh bottles of beer. A notable trafficking route involves transporting illegal liquor over a span of 400 to 500 km, navigating the coastal line from the Union Territory of Daman to Palghar in Maharashtra, and then traversing through the hills of Palghar to reach Nashik or its outskirts. This route exploits the hilly and densely forested areas of northern Maharashtra, providing a tactical advantage against law enforcement.
