PANJIM: Ahead of New Year celebrations, cheap liquor from Goa is being smuggling through the state borders into the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
One such incident came to light after Maharashtra excise officials seized liquor worth Rs 24 lakh smuggled form Goa at Raigad.
According to excise officials of Maharashtra, the liquor was seized after they intercepted a tempo acting on a tip off. The entire consignment was manufactured here and was meant for sale only in Goa, as per the details obtained from the seizure.
However, Goa Excise officials have said that though there is no communication from Maharashtra excise department but based on the information, they will be conducting an inquiry.
Assistant Commissioner of Goa Excise Satyawan Bhivshet said at all check posts, staff are randomly checking vehicles. On several occasions, they have made successful seizures and confiscated bulk quantities. He said, “will have to see if any off roads from the jungles or villages are used by these smugglers”,.
Bhivshet said the inquiry will be conducted by a designated officer. He mentioned that the excise department had recently intercepted one vehicle of a toothpaste company carrying 1,200 boxes of IMFL (Indian Made Foreign Liquor) bottles worth Rs 11 lakh whereas another car was confiscated carrying liquor. “In view of festive season in mind, the state borders will be tightened,” Bhivshet added.
