In a significant pre-New Year crackdown, the vigilance team of the Kalyan Excise Department has confiscated illicit liquor valued at approximately ₹1 crore from a container on the Mumbai–Nashik highway. The seizure is a major blow to a racket aiming to cash in on the high demand for alcohol around December 31 celebrations.
Container with Maggi Ad Used as a Cover
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, officials from the Excise Department's Vigilance wing intercepted a suspicious container on the Bhiwandi bypass. The vehicle had a prominent advertisement for Maggi noodles pasted on it, which authorities believe was a tactic to avoid drawing attention during transit.
Upon thorough inspection, the team uncovered a large consignment of foreign-brand liquor cleverly concealed inside. Preliminary investigations indicate that the alcohol was manufactured in Goa and Madhya Pradesh and was being transported into Maharashtra without payment of the mandatory state excise duty, rendering the entire stock illegal.
Driver Arrested, Supply Chain Under Scrutiny
The container driver, identified as Asif Mohammad, was immediately taken into custody for detailed questioning. The operation was spearheaded by Inspector Deepak Parab and his dedicated team from the Vigilance wing.
Following the seizure, excise officials have launched a comprehensive investigation to unravel the entire network. Key focus areas include:
- Identifying the original source and manufacturers of the smuggled liquor.
- Tracking down the intended recipients and distributors within Maharashtra.
- Unmasking the individuals or syndicates responsible for orchestrating the duty evasion racket.
Further arrests and actions are anticipated as the probe progresses.
Intensified Checks to Curb Illegal Trade
Officials stated that this seizure is part of their intensified enforcement drives across the region in the run-up to New Year's Eve. The period typically sees a sharp spike in alcohol demand, which often leads to a surge in illegal sales and transportation.
Such enforcement drives will continue in the coming days, aimed squarely at curbing the illegal liquor trade. A primary objective is to ensure that government revenue is not lost due to widespread tax and duty evasion, especially during peak seasons.
The Kalyan Excise Department's successful operation sends a strong warning to bootleggers and underscores the administration's commitment to enforcing excise laws strictly.
