Vadodara: The Vadodara Rural Local Crime Branch (LCB) in Gujarat has made a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to curb prohibition violations by seizing over Rs 57 lakh worth of foreign liquor and arresting one individual. Acting on a specific tip-off during routine patrols, the LCB team set up a trap and intercepted a large consignment of foreign liquor. One person was detained in connection with the seizure, and a formal complaint was filed at Karjan Police Station.
Officials stated that the police received credible intelligence that a substantial quantity of foreign liquor was being transported from Surat to Vadodara via Bharuch in an Eicher tempo. Based on this information, a surveillance point was established near Sagar Hotel along the National Highway connecting Bharuch and Vadodara. The suspected vehicle was soon spotted and stopped for inspection. During the search, authorities recovered multiple cartons of foreign liquor and beer, with the total estimated value of the seized items being Rs 57.22 lakh. In addition, the vehicle and other materials, including tarpaulin sheets, were confiscated, bringing the overall value of the seizure to Rs 67.29 lakh. The driver, Rajesh Venamshil Jeswani from Naroda, Ahmedabad, was arrested at the scene.
An FIR has been filed against both the driver and the person accused of supplying the illicit liquor. Official sources confirmed that further legal action is underway.
Despite Gujarat being a dry state under the Gujarat Prohibition Act since 1960, illegal trade in foreign liquor persists, highlighting a well-organized black market. Foreign liquor—imported and branded beverages not produced locally—is often smuggled into Gujarat from neighboring states like Rajasthan and Maharashtra, as well as union territories such as Daman and Diu, which have more permissive liquor laws. Smugglers exploit the porous borders to transport liquor using various covert methods.
According to data from the Gujarat Prohibition and Excise Department, thousands of liters of foreign liquor are seized annually, with over Rs 250 crore worth confiscated in 2023 alone. Major seizures are reported from districts including Surat, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Ahmedabad. Smugglers frequently hide liquor in fuel tankers, commercial vehicles, and private cars, often using fake permits or decoy consignments to evade detection.