In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor smuggling, Dahod police executed a major operation on Tuesday night. The police seized a massive consignment of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) valued at Rs 1.35 crore. This haul ranks among the largest in recent times for the region.
Highway Interception Leads to Arrests
Acting on a specific tip-off, the local crime branch (LCB) of Dahod police swung into action. Informers provided crucial details about a truck transporting liquor into Gujarat. They shared the vehicle's registration number and confirmed it had crossed the Khangela state border check post. The truck was heading towards Godhra when police intercepted it on the busy Indore-Ahmedabad highway.
Details of the Seizure
Police arrested two individuals in connection with the seizure. The driver, Devendra Songara, aged 38, and the cleaner, Rakesh Gajrat, aged 27, were taken into custody. Upon inspection, authorities discovered 814 cartons of IMFL cleverly concealed behind rolls of bubble wrap. In total, the haul contained 33,066 bottles of liquor.
The estimated market value of the seized liquor stands at Rs 1.35 crore. Additionally, police confiscated the truck itself, which is worth approximately Rs 20 lakh. They also seized the mobile phones belonging to the driver and cleaner, along with the bubble wrap rolls used for concealment. This brings the total value of the seizure to an impressive Rs 1.56 crore.
Broader Implications
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts by Gujarat police to curb illegal liquor activities. The state maintains strict prohibition laws, making such smuggling attempts a serious offense. The successful interception demonstrates effective intelligence gathering and swift police action.
Authorities are now investigating the source of the liquor and its intended distribution network. The truck was registered in Madhya Pradesh, indicating possible inter-state smuggling links. Further inquiries aim to uncover more details about the smuggling racket.
