Major Liquor Bust in Gujarat: Police Seize Rs 68.65 Lakh Contraband in Rajkot Farm Raid
In a significant crackdown on illegal alcohol trade, the Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) conducted a targeted raid on Thursday, uncovering a massive liquor stash at a farm in Rajula taluka, Amreli district. The operation, which unfolded on the Bhachadar–Vad road in Bhachadar village, resulted in the seizure of contraband and assets valued at a staggering Rs 68.65 lakh.
Details of the Seized Items
The police squad confiscated a substantial haul of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL), comprising 15,178 bottles with an estimated worth of Rs 47 lakh. In addition to the alcohol, authorities impounded two vehicles—a truck and a Bolero—valued at Rs 20 lakh, along with 237 bags worth Rs 1.59 lakh. The seizure also included a mobile phone priced at Rs 5,000 and Rs 12,060 in cash, bringing the total value of confiscated items to Rs 68.65 lakh.
Arrests and Wanted Individuals
Following the raid, Vijay Vagora, the truck driver, was detained and subsequently handed over to the Pipavav Coastal police for further interrogation. However, the investigation has widened, with police declaring eight other individuals as wanted in connection with this illicit operation.
The list of wanted persons includes:
- Dadu Dhakhda, the owner of the farm where the liquor was stored.
- Ajay Khuman, identified as the intended receiver of the consignment.
- The owners of the seized truck and Bolero vehicle.
- Tosif Jokhiya, whose driving licence was discovered inside one of the vehicles.
- The supplier of the IMFL, whose identity remains under investigation.
This raid underscores the ongoing efforts by Gujarat Police to combat the illegal liquor trade in the state, particularly in dry areas where such activities pose significant legal and social challenges. The SMC's proactive monitoring and swift action highlight their commitment to enforcing prohibition laws and curbing organized crime networks involved in contraband distribution.
