Navi Mumbai Excise Department Conducts Major Raid, Seizes Rs 19 Lakh in Illegal Liquor
In a significant enforcement operation, the State Excise Department executed a targeted raid in the Panvel taluka of Navi Mumbai, leading to the seizure of a substantial cache of illegally transported liquor valued at approximately Rs 19 lakh. The action unfolded on February 18, with officials setting up traps in the villages of Poyanje and Tupgaon, located along the historic Mumbai-Pune highway.
Initial Confiscation and Arrest of Accused
The excise team initially detained three individuals, confiscating 12 bottles of duplicate Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and various branded foreign liquor items. Alongside the contraband, authorities seized two mobile phones and a four-wheeler vehicle, with the total value of these initial items estimated at Rs 5.6 lakh. This preliminary step marked the beginning of a broader investigation into the illicit liquor trade in the region.
Expanded Raid Uncovers Larger Haul at Farmhouse
Following further interrogation of the detained accused, excise officials were led to a farmhouse situated in Tupgaon, Khalapur. At this location, the raid escalated dramatically, resulting in the seizure of 67 bottles of high-quality duplicate foreign liquor from multiple brands, along with four bottles of country-made liquor. Additionally, officials recovered duplicate labels and bottle caps used for counterfeiting branded products, as well as the mobile phones belonging to the accused. The combined value of all seized items from both locations totaled Rs 19 lakh, underscoring the scale of the illegal operation.
Legal Action and Arrests Under Maharashtra Prohibition Act
Subsequent to the seizures, an FIR was formally registered against the accused, identified as Binnu Kallur, Vinesh S, and Biju Ulwa. They have been charged under the stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act of 1949, which governs the regulation and prohibition of alcohol in the state. Following the registration of the case, all three individuals were arrested, highlighting the department's commitment to curbing illegal liquor activities and enforcing state laws effectively.
This operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts by authorities to combat the illicit liquor trade in Maharashtra. The excise department's proactive measures in Navi Mumbai demonstrate a focused approach to tackling such crimes, which often pose risks to public health and safety. As investigations continue, further details may emerge regarding the network behind this smuggling operation.
