Gujarat Police Dismantle Illegal Liquor Operation, Seize 597 Boxes of Foreign Spirits
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Synopsis
Vadodara's Rural Local Crime Branch has successfully seized 597 boxes of foreign liquor worth Rs 38.98 lakh in a crackdown on illegal trade. Two suspects were arrested, and the operation highlights ongoing efforts to enforce prohibition laws in Gujarat.
Key Takeaways
- 597 boxes of foreign liquor seized.
- Valued at Rs 38.98 lakh.
- Two individuals arrested during the operation.
- Operation led by Unarmed Head Constable Devraj Singh.
- Authorities have enhanced patrols to enforce laws.
Vadodara, Feb 1 (NationPress) In a significant operation against illegal liquor trafficking, the Vadodara Rural Local Crime Branch (LCB) in Gujarat has confiscated 597 boxes of foreign liquor worth Rs 38.98 lakh from a container traveling along the Vadodara-Savli road.
The police have apprehended the container driver and another accomplice, and a formal complaint has been lodged at the Manjusar police station. Acting on a credible tip-off, the LCB team established surveillance on the Vadodara-Savli route. During their patrol within the Manjusar police station jurisdiction, officials halted a suspicious container.
Upon thorough inspection, they uncovered the liquor shipment and promptly detained the driver Mohammad Shadab Amjad Ali Khan and Arbaaz Shakeel Ansari, both hailing from Bhiwandi, Maharashtra.
Alongside the liquor valued at Rs 38.98 lakh, the police seized the container vehicle and mobile devices, bringing the cumulative worth of confiscated items to Rs 49.08 lakh. The arrested individuals have been charged under prohibition statutes, with further investigations ongoing.
This operation, spearheaded by Unarmed Head Constable Devraj Singh, represents another victory in the Vadodara Rural LCB's persistent efforts to combat illegal liquor trade. Authorities have ramped up patrols throughout the district, ensuring stringent enforcement of prohibition laws.
In the two years leading to March 2023, authorities have intercepted illicit liquor and drugs valued at over Rs 6,400 crore. This encompasses Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) worth Rs 197.56 crore, locally produced liquor worth Rs 3.99 crore, and beer valued at Rs 10.51 crore.
In the three years up to March 2024, police have seized approximately 1.85 crore bottles of foreign liquor and over 20 lakh bottles of beer. A notable route involves the transportation of illegal liquor over a distance of 400 to 500 km, traversing the coastal line from the Union Territory of Daman to Palghar in Maharashtra, then navigating through the hills of Palghar to reach Nashik city or its periphery. This path takes advantage of the hilly and dense forest terrain in northern Maharashtra, providing concealment from law enforcement agencies.
