Massive Liquor Seizure Worth Rs 1.39 Crore on Jamnagar-Rajkot Highway
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Jamnagar, April 9 (NationPress) In a significant operation, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Gujarat's Jamnagar district successfully confiscated a substantial haul of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) valued at nearly Rs 1.4 crore. This seizure occurred after authorities intercepted a vehicle on the Jamnagar-Rajkot highway, leading to the arrest of a truck driver, officials reported on Thursday.
The operation took place late at night near the junction of Jambuda village, prompted by specific intelligence.
Officials halted a closed-body Bharat Benz truck that appeared suspicious and upon inspection, discovered 29,243 bottles of liquor in various sizes.
The total estimated value of the seized liquor stands at approximately Rs 1,39,79,800.
The driver, identified as Raju alias Devo Mori (30), hailing from Adityana village in Porbandar district, was arrested at the scene.
Initial investigations suggest that the liquor shipment was ordered by Karshan Kodiyatar from Ranavav and Dudabhai Kodiyatar from Bhanvad.
Both individuals, along with an unidentified supplier, have been named as suspects and are currently evading capture.
"The unidentified supplier has connections with Karshan. We are actively pursuing leads to locate them," officials stated.
The total value of the seized assets, which includes the liquor, the truck valued at Rs 20 lakh, and a mobile phone worth Rs 5,000, is approximately Rs 1,59,84,800.
A case has been filed under relevant sections of the Prohibition Act at the Panchkoshi A-Division police station, and further inquiries are underway.
"Based on precise intelligence, the vehicle was intercepted, resulting in the recovery of a significant quantity of IMFL. One individual has been apprehended, and we are working diligently to capture the remaining suspects," officials remarked.
The investigation continues to explore the origins of the consignment, its transportation route, and the intended recipients in Jamnagar.
Authorities are also probing the potential interstate network involved in supplying liquor to the state, where prohibition is enforced.