In a major pre-emptive strike against the illicit trade of intoxicants, the Vadodara City Police have launched a targeted operation focusing on two-wheelers during the New Year's Eve celebrations and the extended weekend. While appearing as a traffic regulation measure, the initiative is specifically designed to crack down on the clandestine sale and delivery of liquor and narcotics.
Special Police Teams Fan Out Across the City
On Wednesday evening, specialized units including the Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB), Special Operations Group (SOG), and Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) deployed personnel at various checkpoints. Their primary objective is to monitor two-wheelers suspected of being used for private deliveries of alcohol and contraband. This action forms a crucial part of the police strategy to intercept individuals committing crimes under the stringent Prohibition Law and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The police vigilance is backed by recent incidents. In the past week alone, the city police registered two cases involving liquor delivery on two-wheelers. One case was lodged at the Gorwa police station on December 28 for transporting liquor worth Rs 35,120. Another was registered at Makarpura police station on December 30, where a suspect in Tarsali was found with a premium rum bottle worth Rs 1,300.
Modus Operandi and Police Strategy
Police officials revealed that bootleggers and drug peddlers are increasingly using two-wheelers for deliveries to avoid detection, especially on busy festival days. They exploit the surge in legitimate e-commerce and food delivery services to blend in. PCB Police Inspector CB Tandel stated that instructions from the Commissioner of Police have led to a special watch on this trend. "We have created check points and cracked down on bigger bootleggers. Now, the focus is on crowded gatherings and parties over the weekend," Tandel explained.
Authorities are paying close attention to suspicious behavior. "We are keeping specific watch on body language and two-wheelers waiting at odd locations for possible buyers," a senior officer said. The Crime Branch is also monitoring delivery agents carrying branded bags of e-commerce platforms to ensure they are not masquerading to deliver contraband.
The crackdown follows earlier successes. On December 6, the Vadodara SOG arrested a man with 459 grams of ganja worth Rs 22,950 while he was attempting to deliver it on a two-wheeler.
Border Vigilance and Statewide Coordination
The enforcement drive extends beyond Vadodara city. In Dahod district, an intensive inter-state vehicle checking operation is underway to stop alcohol smuggling into Gujarat from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Key checkposts at Khangela, Katwara, and Dhavadia are under strict surveillance with support from the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF).
Teams from the district SOG, Local Crime Branch, and SRP units are working together to inspect vehicles suspected of smuggling liquor. A Police Sub-Inspector level officer is supervising round-the-clock checks at these border points.
SOG PI SD Ratada emphasized the ongoing efforts, stating that the police have launched a massive drive against narcotics smuggling since November. "The New Year's Eve, followed by the long weekend, will mean extensive checking and interceptions across the city to ensure Prohibition and NDPS cases do not go undetected," Ratada affirmed.
