In a major crackdown ahead of the festive season, the Maharashtra State Excise Department has seized a massive consignment of illegally transported foreign liquor valued at over one crore rupees on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway. The late-night operation led to the arrest of the truck driver and the confiscation of the vehicle.
Late-Night Highway Interception Based on Intelligence
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the State Excise Department's Flying Squad intensified its vigil against the illegal transportation of alcohol. On the evening of December 16, 2025, at around 9:25 PM, the squad swung into action. They intercepted a suspicious container truck near the Bhiwandi Bypass at Rajnoli village.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of senior excise officials and was led by Inspector Deepak Parab of the State Excise, Flying Squad, Thane–2. The team received crucial assistance from officers and staff of the Bhiwandi division.
Massive Haul of Out-of-State Liquor Uncovered
A thorough search of the intercepted container truck revealed a staggering stock of liquor that is prohibited for sale within Maharashtra. The seized consignment consisted of 711 boxes containing thousands of bottles of foreign whisky.
The breakdown of the seizure is as follows:
- 554 boxes contained 26,592 bottles (each 180 ml) of whisky manufactured in Madhya Pradesh.
- 157 boxes contained 7,336 bottles (each 180 ml) of whisky manufactured in Goa.
This liquor was legally meant for sale only in the states of Goa and Madhya Pradesh but was being illegally transported into Maharashtra, violating state prohibition laws.
Arrest, Seizure, and Ongoing Festive Vigilance
Following the discovery, officials immediately registered a prohibition offence. The authorities seized the entire illicit consignment along with the container truck used for transportation. The combined value of the seized liquor and the vehicle has been pegged at a substantial Rs 1.01 crore.
The driver of the truck, identified as Asif Aas Mohammad, was placed under arrest in connection with the case. He is now facing legal proceedings for his involvement in the smuggling operation.
This significant seizure highlights the State Excise Department's heightened efforts to curb the flow of illegal alcohol as Christmas and New Year celebrations approach. The department has warned of continued strict actions and surprise checks across the state to prevent such illegal activities during the festive period.
