Ahmedabad: In a major crackdown on illegal liquor trade, police in Gandhinagar seized a large consignment of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) in two separate operations on Monday night. In both instances, the drivers of the vehicles transporting the liquor managed to escape after being intercepted by law enforcement.
First Operation: SUV Abandoned Near Shantigram
A team from the Local Crime Branch (LCB) was conducting patrols in the Adalaj area when they received specific intelligence regarding a vehicle carrying liquor from Mehsana to Ahmedabad. Acting on the tip-off, the team positioned themselves at Jaspur near the Umiya Dham temple. When an SUV matching the description approached, police signaled for it to stop. However, the driver accelerated and sped away, prompting a chase. The vehicle was later found abandoned near an overbridge close to Shantigram. Taking advantage of the darkness, the driver managed to flee the scene.
Upon inspection, police recovered 54 cartons containing 2,592 bottles of IMFL, including vodka brands marked 'for sale in Chandigarh only'. The value of the liquor was estimated at Rs 4.66 lakh, while the vehicle itself was valued at approximately Rs 10 lakh, bringing the total seizure to Rs 14.66 lakh. The Adalaj police have registered a case under the Prohibition Act.
Second Operation: Vehicle Found Near Canal
In a separate operation, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) intercepted a vehicle near Nana Chiloda based on similar intelligence inputs. When police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated and fled towards Ranasan village. After a pursuit, the suspect abandoned the vehicle near a canal in a sparsely populated area and escaped into nearby fields, using the darkness and difficult terrain to evade capture.
Police recovered 2,668 bottles and beer cans of various brands, concealed under cloth. The seized liquor was valued at Rs 4.61 lakh. Investigators also discovered multiple number plates in the vehicle, suggesting possible involvement in other illegal activities.
Both operations highlight the ongoing efforts by Gujarat police to curb the illegal transportation and sale of liquor in the state. Authorities are continuing their investigations to identify and apprehend the absconding drivers.
