In a major crackdown on illegal liquor transportation, the Maharashtra Excise Department seized foreign liquor worth ₹13 lakh in Panvel. The consignment, allegedly smuggled in from Goa, was cleverly concealed beneath automobile spare parts to avoid detection.
Officials said the seized stock included bottles from eight different foreign liquor brands. The operation was carried out based on a tip-off, and the department is now investigating the source of the supply and the intended destination of the consignment.
This bust highlights the ongoing issue of liquor smuggling from Goa into Maharashtra, where higher excise duties make such illegal trade lucrative. Authorities have intensified surveillance on inter-state routes and warned that strict action will be taken against those involved in such activities.
Further investigations are underway to trace the network behind the smuggling operation.