In an operation targeting illegal liquor trafficking, the Kolhapur flying squad of the Maharashtra State Excise Department confiscated alcohol valued at Rs. 3,74,880 and apprehended the driver of the vehicle which was used for transportation. The operation, conducted in Sawantwadi, Banda, saw the detention of Prakash Kunjan Nair for illegal alcohol transportation.
Taking place amidst the impending Lok Sabha elections, the operation focused on patrolling the Mumbai-Goa highway, particularly at Akeri. During an inspection, the squad intercepted a motor vehicle traveling from Goa to Sindhudurg district. Upon examination, they uncovered an illicit stash of Goa-manufactured liquor concealed within the vehicle.
The seizure comprised 62 illegal boxes containing a total of 888 sealed plastic and glass bottles, ranging in size from 750 ml and 180 ml. Additionally, the squad impounded the motor vehicle itself, appraised at Rs. 5,40,000. The combined value of the confiscated items amounted to Rs. 9,14,880, with the alcohol alone estimated at Rs. 3,74,880.
The operation was executed by a team of sub-inspectors, including SS Gondkar, YN Phatangre, Sushant Bansode, Amol Yadav, Vilas Pawar, and Yogesh Shelar. Sub-Inspector Phatangre is presently leading the investigative efforts into the case.
