Ahmedabad Police Uncover Major Liquor Smuggling Operation
In a significant crackdown on illegal alcohol trafficking, the Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB) in Ahmedabad made a major interception on Sunday. Acting on a precise tip-off, authorities stopped a truck registered in Himachal Pradesh on the SP Ring Road near Aslali Circle. What initially appeared to be a routine transport of helmets turned out to be a sophisticated smuggling attempt.
Seizure of Contraband Worth Lakhs
The operation, conducted in the Narol police station area ahead of Aslali Circle, led to the discovery of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) valued at an astonishing Rs 63.86 lakh. Police officers, following intelligence that a liquor consignment was en route from Chandigarh to Junagadh, meticulously searched the vehicle after the driver claimed it was only carrying helmets.
A detailed inspection revealed 10,749 bottles of IMFL cleverly concealed among boxes containing 1,053 helmets, which were worth Rs 5.25 lakh and served as camouflage. The total estimated value of the seized property, including the HP-registered truck, a mobile phone, and Rs 3,130 in cash, reached Rs 84.25 lakh.
Arrest and Investigation Details
The driver, identified as Joni Baldevsingh Chandel (38), a resident of Hawani village in Sarkaghat taluka, Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh, was promptly arrested. Preliminary investigations indicate that the liquor was dispatched by Dileram Shersingh, also from Sarkaghat in Himachal Pradesh, and was intended for delivery in Junagadh.
PCB officials have registered an offence at the Narol police station against the driver, the alleged supplier, and unidentified bootleggers from Junagadh. The case has been filed under the Prohibition Act and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Further probes are actively underway to trace the entire bootlegging network and determine if similar consignments have previously used this route.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Efforts
This seizure highlights the ongoing challenges in combating illegal alcohol trade in the region. Authorities are intensifying efforts to dismantle such smuggling networks, which often employ deceptive tactics to evade detection. The successful interception underscores the effectiveness of tip-based policing and thorough investigative procedures.
As the investigation progresses, police are focusing on identifying other links in the supply chain to prevent future incidents. This case serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required to uphold law and order, particularly in areas with strict prohibition laws.
