Maharashtra’s Forests Serve as Gateway for Smuggling Liquor into Gujarat
Maharashtra’s Forests Serve as Gateway for Smuggling Liquor into Gujarat
In the ongoing struggle against alcohol smuggling, bootleggers are utilizing the rugged and forested terrain of northern Maharashtra to evade law enforcement and transport illegal liquor into Gujarat. Despite the relatively short distance of approximately 100 kilometers between Daman and Gujarat, smugglers prefer longer, more intricate routes to avoid stringent border checks.
The illicit liquor trade typically follows a lengthy path, spanning 400 to 500 kilometers. The journey begins in the Union Territory of Daman, where the contraband is transported along the coastal route to Palghar in Maharashtra. From there, the liquor is carried through the hilly and densely wooded areas of Palghar, eventually reaching Nashik city and its surrounding regions.
Once in Nashik, smugglers have numerous options to advance their cargo into Gujarat. The area offers a network of highways and local roads extending to various points in Gujarat, such as the Trimbakeshwar hills and the neighboring Nandurbar district. This extensive network allows bootleggers to navigate the state’s restrictive alcohol laws effectively.
The financial incentive for these operations is substantial. A bottle of liquor that costs Rs 100 in Daman and Rs 200 in Maharashtra can be sold for Rs 400 in Gujarat, making the risks worthwhile for smugglers. According to Shashikant Garje, Superintendent of the Excise Department in Nashik, bootleggers employ a well-organized network and execute their operations with meticulous planning to maximize profits and minimize detection.
The covert nature of these smuggling activities highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing illegal alcohol trade. The intricate routes and the strategic planning involved make it a persistent issue, as bootleggers continually adapt their methods to evade capture while capitalizing on the lucrative market in Gujarat.
