In a significant crackdown on illegal liquor transportation, the Pune excise department on Friday seized 1,204 boxes of Royal Blue Malt whisky, smuggled from Goa. The operation took place near Veer Phata along the Jejuri-Saswad road, following a tip-off that led authorities to intercept a container truck.
Upon inspection, officials found 57,792 bottles of 180 ml whisky concealed inside the truck. The total haul—including the liquor, the vehicle, and a mobile phone—was valued at approximately ₹1.33 crore.
The driver, identified as Dharman Sarang, a resident of Rajasthan, was arrested on the spot. He has been charged under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949, and remanded to five days of police custody. According to officials, the consignment was bound for Ahilya Nagar, and efforts are underway to trace the intended recipient.
This seizure underscores the ongoing problem of inter-state liquor smuggling, driven primarily by price and tax disparities between Goa and Maharashtra. Goa’s significantly lower excise duties make it a hotspot for liquor smugglers targeting the black market in neighboring states.
The Pune excise department has stepped up its enforcement operations in recent months as part of a wider strategy to combat illicit liquor production, distribution, and sale. Over the past year, the department has registered thousands of cases, made multiple arrests, and seized goods worth crores of rupees.
The crackdown isn’t limited to smuggling. Excise officials are also targeting illegal liquor sales at dhabas, roadside eateries, and unauthorized outlets, with strict penalties for violators.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to illicit liquor through the department’s toll-free number 1800-233-9999 or landline 020-26058633.
With ongoing late-night raids, increased highway surveillance, and community cooperation, officials say their efforts have started to make a dent in Pune’s underground liquor trade. The excise department remains committed to enforcing the law and dismantling organized smuggling networks across the region.