Pune News: Liquor Worth ₹25 Lakh Smuggled From Goa Seized In Pimpri-Chinchwad; One Arrested
Pune News: Liquor Worth ₹25 Lakh Smuggled From Goa Seized In Pimpri-Chinchwad; One Arrested
Pune: In a major crackdown on interstate liquor smuggling, the Pune division of the state excise department seized illicit liquor worth ₹24.88 lakh being transported from Goa to Maharashtra. The operation took place near the Pune-Mumbai highway in Pimpri-Chinchwad on Thursday, following a tip-off.
Excise officials intercepted a suspicious truck near the Vallabh Nagar bus stand, a known route for illegal transport activities. Upon inspection, the truck was found carrying 305 boxes of whisky, with each bottle measuring 180 ml, and no valid documentation. In addition to the liquor, the truck itself—valued at ₹2.28 lakh—was also confiscated, bringing the total seizure to approximately ₹27.16 lakh.
The arrested accused has been identified as 31-year-old Vishal Suklal Varade, a resident of Bhusawal in Jalgaon district. Preliminary investigations suggest that the liquor was intended for distribution in northern Maharashtra, indicating a larger smuggling network.
Officials stated that liquor from Goa is frequently smuggled into Maharashtra due to significantly lower taxes in the coastal state. Authorities suspect that this operation is part of an organized racket, and a deeper investigation is currently underway to trace others involved.
The excise department has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing such illegal activities and hinted at more action in the near future.
