As New Year's Eve celebrations approach, the Vadodara City Police have launched a high-alert operation specifically targeting two-wheelers suspected of being used for the clandestine delivery of intoxicants. Specialized police branches are conducting extensive checks across the city to prevent the illegal sale and distribution of liquor and narcotics during the festive weekend.
Special Police Units on High Alert
Multiple elite units including the Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB), Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) have been deployed since Wednesday evening. Their primary focus is monitoring checkpoints and scrutinizing two-wheelers that could be used for private deliveries of banned substances. This initiative is a core part of the police's action plan to enforce the state's Prohibition Law and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act during the revelry.
Recent Seizures Set the Stage for Vigilance
The intensified vigil comes on the heels of several recent interceptions. In the past week alone, Vadodara police have registered two cases related to liquor delivery and one involving contraband, all using two-wheelers.
Earlier in December, on the 6th, the SOG arrested a man with 459 grams of ganja worth Rs 22,950 while he was attempting a delivery on a two-wheeler. More recently, the PCB registered two separate cases. One on December 28 at Gorwa police station involved the transportation of liquor worth Rs 35,120 on a two-wheeler. Another on December 30 in the Tarsali area led to the interception of a suspect carrying a bottle of premium rum valued at Rs 1,300.
Strategy to Thwart Bootleggers' Tactics
Police officials explain that bootleggers and drug peddlers are increasingly using two-wheelers for deliveries to blend in with the surge of genuine e-commerce and food delivery agents during busy festival days. "They are taking advantage of the fact that genuine delivery apps are working overtime," a senior officer noted.
To counter this, police teams are not just checking vehicles but also observing body language and monitoring two-wheelers waiting at odd locations. Police Inspector CB Tandel of the PCB stated that the crackdown follows the instructions of the Vadodara Police Commissioner. He revealed that after targeting bigger bootleggers, the focus has now shifted to crowded gatherings and private parties scheduled over the long weekend.
SOG Police Inspector SD Ratada added that the force has been running a massive drive against narcotics smuggling since November. The New Year's Eve weekend will see extensive checking and interceptions across Vadodara to ensure no violations of prohibition or NDPS laws go undetected.
Border Vigilance in Dahod District
The crackdown extends beyond Vadodara city. In neighboring Dahod district, an intensive inter-state vehicle checking drive is underway to stop alcohol smuggling into Gujarat from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. Key check posts at Khangela, Katwara, and Dhavadia are under strict surveillance.
Teams from the district SOG, Local Crime Branch, and the State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) are working together, conducting round-the-clock checks. A Police Sub-Inspector level officer is supervising the action at these border points to intercept vehicles suspected of smuggling liquor into the dry state.
