Raigad Police Intercept Major Contraband Liquor Consignment Worth Rs 73 Lakh
In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor transportation, the Raigad police have seized a consignment of contraband liquor valued at approximately Rs 73 lakh. The operation took place on Saturday night around 10:15 pm near Neral along the Karjat-Murbad road in Maharashtra.
Operation Details and Arrest
Acting on a specific tip-off regarding the illegal movement of Goa-manufactured liquor, Raigad Superintendent of Police Anchal Dalal formed a special team from the Neral police station. This team successfully intercepted a tanker truck that was transporting the illicit goods from Goa to Gujarat via Maharashtra.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as Laduram Bishnoi (42), who is also the owner of the truck, has been arrested. The truck bears a Gujarat Regional Transport Office (RTO) passing, indicating its registration and route legitimacy, which was exploited for this illegal activity.
Seizure and Investigation
Assistant Police Inspector Rahul Varote of the Neral police station provided details on the seizure. A total of 799 corrugated boxes containing Goa-manufactured whisky and vodka were confiscated from the tanker truck. The estimated market value of this contraband liquor is around Rs 73 lakh, highlighting the scale of the illegal operation.
The police are investigating the broader network involved in this smuggling attempt, including potential links to distributors and recipients in Gujarat. This seizure underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb the illegal liquor trade, which often involves cross-state transportation to evade taxes and regulations.
The Raigad police have emphasized that such operations are part of their routine vigilance to prevent illicit activities and ensure public safety. Further legal proceedings are underway, with charges expected to be filed under relevant sections of the law pertaining to illegal transportation and possession of contraband goods.
