Gujarat Police Bust Duty-Free Liquor Network, Seize 137 Bottles

AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT :  In Gujarat, a state known for its strict prohibition laws, the Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB) successfully intercepted an illegal liquor operation, arresting two individuals and confiscating 137 bottles of duty-free alcohol from parked two-wheelers.

The arrests took place on the evening of May 18, following a tip-off about illicit liquor deliveries from Panchrahi Apartment in Ranip.

Police Inspector MC Chaudhary and his team raided the location, discovering 137 bottles of liquor concealed in a two-wheeler parked within the apartment’s premises. Most of the seized bottles were reported to be foreign liquor, highly sought after in the region due to the stringent prohibition laws.

The arrested individuals were identified as Tushar Patel of Ranip and Dinesh Bamaniya of Chandlodiya. During interrogation, Patel disclosed that he sourced the alcohol from Avinash Patel of Gandhinagar. Bamaniya played a crucial role as the supplier, helping distribute the illicit goods to regular customers.

Inspector Chaudhary explained the modus operandi: “Owing to the high demand for foreign liquor, the Patel duo devised a network to procure duty-free alcohol from local travelers returning from abroad. They then sold this liquor at a premium price through Bamaniya.”

The operation capitalized on the allure of duty-free alcohol in a state where such items are rare and highly coveted. The network exploited legal loopholes, using travelers to bring in the liquor and distribute it to a select clientele.

The police also recovered a list of customers from the accused, which could lead to further arrests and a deeper understanding of the illicit network’s reach. “We are continuing our investigation to identify and apprehend all individuals involved in this illegal operation,” stated Inspector Chaudhary.

The arrested individuals now face serious charges related to the illegal sale and distribution of alcohol, and authorities are determined to dismantle the entire network. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the extent of this illicit trade and the methods used to circumvent the state’s prohibition laws.