Pune-Mumbai Highway: State Excise Department Seizes Illegal Liquor and Vehicle Worth Over ₹1.35 Crore
Pune-Mumbai Highway: State Excise Department Seizes Illegal Liquor and Vehicle Worth Over ₹1.35 Crore
Pune, June 12, 2026: The Maharashtra State Excise Department has seized illegal liquor, a transport vehicle, and other materials collectively worth over ₹1.35 crore during a major enforcement operation, State Excise Superintendent Atul Kanade said.
The action was carried out under the directions of State Excise Commissioner Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, Joint Commissioner (Enforcement and Vigilance) Prasad Surve, and Pune Divisional Deputy Commissioner Sagar Dhomkar.
During the operation, State Excise officials intercepted and inspected a container truck at Sutarwadi, Pashan, in Haveli taluka on the Pune-Mumbai Highway. The inspection revealed 1,200 boxes of foreign liquor branded as “Royal Select Deluxe Whisky.” The liquor was reportedly manufactured in Goa but was found bearing counterfeit labels falsely indicating manufacture and sale in Madhya Pradesh.
Officials seized a total of 10,368 bulk litres of liquor packed in 180 ml bottles. The value of the seized liquor is estimated at ₹1.20 crore, while the vehicle used for transportation is valued at approximately ₹15 lakh. Additional materials were also confiscated during the operation.
When asked to produce the required transport permits, the accused failed to provide any valid authorization. Instead, officials found allegedly forged tax invoices, fake documentation related to empty boxes, and other suspicious records. Preliminary investigations indicate that the documents submitted for transportation were fabricated.
The truck driver has been arrested and booked under Sections 65(a)(e), 80, 83, 86, 90, and 108 of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949. Samples of the seized liquor have been sent for chemical analysis to determine whether the liquor itself is counterfeit.
The operation was led by Excise Inspector Sandeep Kadam and his team.
Appealing to citizens, State Excise Superintendent Atul Kanade urged people to stay away from illicit liquor and report any information regarding illegal liquor trade. Citizens can contact the department through the toll-free helpline 1800-233-9999 or on 020-26917321.
