Ahmedabad Police Uncover Major Liquor Smuggling Operation Worth Rs 1.08 Crore
In a significant crackdown on illicit liquor trade, the Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB) in Ahmedabad intercepted a container truck from Rajasthan and seized a massive consignment of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and beer tins valued at approximately Rs 1.08 crore. The operation, conducted on Tuesday morning in the Naroda area, exposed a sophisticated smuggling attempt using forged transport documents as cover.
Surveillance and Interception Leads to Major Haul
Acting on a tip-off, PCB teams established surveillance near a bridge in Naroda and stopped an Ashok Leyland container bearing registration number RJ-14-GR-8442. The truck, originating from Bhangadh in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, was allegedly transporting the illegal liquor consignment. A complaint was formally lodged by Kishore Pratabh, a PCB head constable, with the Naroda police station, initiating the investigation.
During the initial inspection, the driver, identified as Mangeram Singh, a resident of Rajasthan, claimed the container was loaded with bicycles. He presented transport documents, including an invoice and e-way bill, indicating the consignment was being transported from Ludhiana in Punjab to Nadiad in Gujarat. However, officers quickly noticed discrepancies, particularly that the container seal had been tampered with, raising suspicions.
Discovery of Hidden Liquor Stock and Driver's Confession
Upon thorough inspection, police uncovered a large stock of IMFL and beer tins concealed inside the container. The seized items included whisky bottles of several prominent brands and 7,128 beer tins, totaling 23,232 units with an estimated market value of Rs 1.08 crore. This haul represents one of the significant liquor seizures in the region recently, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal alcohol trade.
During questioning, Mangeram Singh confessed to his involvement, revealing that he was promised Rs 20,000 to transport the consignment using forged documents as a cover. His admission has provided crucial leads for police to trace the broader supply network and intended delivery points in Ahmedabad.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
Police have named other suspected associates from Rajasthan in the complaint and launched a comprehensive investigation into the smuggling network. Authorities are focusing on identifying the supply chain, intended recipients in Ahmedabad, and any potential links to larger organized crime rings. This case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing cross-border liquor smuggling, which often involves sophisticated methods to evade detection.
The interception in Naroda serves as a reminder of the vigilance required to tackle such illicit activities, with PCB teams emphasizing continued surveillance and coordination to disrupt similar operations in the future. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge regarding the scale and reach of this smuggling racket.
