In a significant crackdown on illicit liquor trade, the Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW) of Trichy police arrested a man and confiscated a large stock of foreign liquor intended for illegal sale. The operation, conducted on Thursday night, targeted a location close to the city's airport.
Acting on a Tip-Off: The Midnight Raid
Acting swiftly on specific intelligence, a police team rushed to a vacant plot situated in the Cauvery Nagar area. There, they apprehended Hidayathullah S, a 37-year-old resident of Star Nagar. Upon search, officials discovered a substantial cache of liquor bottles in his possession.
The seized contraband consisted of 212 bottles of various premium foreign brands. Police estimated the total value of the haul to be around ₹1 lakh. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused had allegedly sourced the liquor from Puducherry at lower prices with the intention of reselling it illegally within Trichy city for profit.
Brands Seized and Assets Confiscated
The confiscated stock included several well-known brands, indicating a market for premium illicit alcohol. The seized bottles were identified as:
- Courier Napoleon French Brandy
- Men's Black Brandy
- Block Gold French Brandy
- Brockde Kraft Sekt
In addition to the liquor, police also seized the assets used in facilitating the illegal trade. A car and a mobile phone belonging to the accused were taken into custody as case evidence.
Case Registered and Ongoing Investigation
Following the arrest and seizure, the Trichy police have registered a formal case against Hidayathullah S. The Prohibition Enforcement Wing is delving deeper into the network to uncover possible links and identify others involved in the smuggling and distribution chain.
This successful operation near a sensitive zone like the airport underscores the continued vigilance of the police against the illegal liquor trade, which poses significant revenue losses and potential law and order issues. Authorities have urged the public to continue providing information about such illegal activities.
