The Ahmedabad City Prevention of Crime Branch (PCB) seized 21,168 bottles of foreign liquor, concealed inside a container disguised as a shipment of bicycle tyres. The total value of the recovered liquor and other seized items stands at ₹77.15 lakh
Acting on a tip-off, the PCB officials set up surveillance near Vaishnodevi Circle, targeting a suspicious Ashok Leyland container truck. Upon intercepting the vehicle near Gota Bridge, the officials discovered a consignment of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) hidden behind stacks of bicycle tyres. The seized contraband includes 627 cartons containing 21,168 bottles of liquor, valued at ₹49.26 lakh. Additionally, 18 bundles of bicycle tyres worth ₹2.63 lakh and other items, including mobile phones, cash, and the container itself, were confiscated.
The police have arrested two individuals in connection with the smuggling operation: Gogaram Khartharam Jat (25), a resident of Asadaki Beri, Barmer, Rajasthan, and Thakraram Manganaram Jat (29), from Akkadada, Balotra, Rajasthan.
The alleged mastermind, Manojbhai from Udaipur, Rajasthan, is absconding. Police suspect he orchestrated the illicit transport from Chandigarh to the Surendranagar-Rajkot Highway for distribution.
A case has been registered under various sections of the Prohibition Act and further investigation is underway to apprehend the remaining culprits.
Seized Items include:
Foreign liquor: 21,168 bottles (627 cartons) worth ₹49.26 lakh
Bicycle tyres: 18 bundles valued at ₹2.63 lakh
Container truck: ₹25 lakh
Mobile phones: 2 units worth ₹20,000
Cash: ₹5,700
Total value of seized items: ₹77.15 lakh