In a significant crackdown on the illegal liquor trade, the excise department in Mohali successfully intercepted a major smuggling operation late on Tuesday evening. Acting on specific intelligence, officials apprehended a smuggler and confiscated a large consignment of illicit alcohol destined for the black market.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Interception
A dedicated team, spearheaded by Excise Inspector Gurinder Pal, swung into action based on a confidential tip-off. The operation culminated near Mataur village, where the officials stopped a Hyundai i20 car for inspection. The vehicle, bearing a registration number from Nalagarh, was found to be loaded with contraband.
Massive Haul of Illicit Whiskey Uncovered
Upon a thorough search of the car, the excise team discovered a staggering 25 cases of whiskey, which translates to a total of 300 individual bottles. Preliminary investigations indicated that this illicit consignment was being transported for the purpose of illegal sale in Chandigarh, directly flouting the state's excise norms and regulations.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Ajay Kumar, was immediately taken into custody. The entire stock of illegal liquor was seized on the spot as evidence.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Following the arrest, a formal First Information Report (FIR) was registered against the accused at the Mataur police station. The case has been filed under the stringent Section 61 of the Punjab Excise Act.
Police and excise authorities are now delving deeper into the network behind this smuggling attempt. Their focus is to ascertain the original source of the liquor and to identify other individuals involved in the illicit supply chain. This operation is part of a broader, intensified drive by the department.
Excise officials have stated that surveillance and checking at strategic locations have been ramped up significantly. This heightened vigilance aims to curb the illegal movement of liquor across district and state boundaries, ensuring stricter enforcement of the law.
