Liquor Smuggling Route Exposed: 18,672 Bottles Seized Off Valsad Coast

Valsad | Gujarat — The sea route between Daman and Gujarat is fast emerging as a notorious corridor for liquor smuggling, raising fresh concerns among enforcement agencies about the growing use of coastal waters to bypass the state’s prohibition laws. The latest interception by Customs officials off the Valsad coast has once again exposed how bootleggers are increasingly turning to the sea to run a thriving illegal trade.

During routine sea patrolling, officers from the Customs Division in Valsad spotted a suspicious boat moving towards the Gujarat shoreline. The vessel was intercepted near the Kolak sea coast, where officials uncovered a massive consignment of Indian Made Liquor allegedly being smuggled from Daman into the dry state.

Massive haul intercepted at sea

On searching the boat, officers discovered 555 boxes containing 18,672 bottles of liquor. The seized goods, along with the boat, are valued at nearly ₹50 lakh. Eight suspected bootleggers were detained and handed over to the police at Pardi for further legal action, along with a detailed panchnama and inventory.

Officials say the scale of the seizure highlights how smugglers are exploiting the proximity between Daman — where alcohol is legal — and Gujarat, where prohibition remains in force.

“This seizure clearly indicates that the sea route is being systematically used for bootlegging. Smugglers believe maritime routes reduce the risk of detection compared to highways,” an official said.

Sea becoming preferred smuggling corridor

Authorities warn that bootleggers are constantly evolving their methods to evade land-based checkpoints. Coastal routes allow quick transport and multiple landing points along the shoreline, making enforcement more challenging.

“The growing frequency of such cases shows organised networks are active along the coast. Strengthening maritime surveillance is now a priority,” a senior officer said.

The seized liquor and boat have been handed over to Gujarat Police, and further investigation is underway to trace the larger smuggling network and identify the intended distribution channels within the state.