Excise Crackdown: Illegal Liquor and Creative Smuggling Tactics Uncovered

In an operation near Indore, officials seized over 500 cartons of illegal alcohol valued at Rs 24 lakh from a disguised truck. Meanwhile, Delhi police arrested five for smuggling liquor on camels. The crackdown follows a liquor ban in 19 religious and culturally significant Madhya Pradesh cities.

In a concerted effort to curb illegal alcohol distribution, Indore's Excise department conducted a significant seizure operation, intercepting a truck carrying over 500 cartons of illicit booze near Mewara village. Disguised as a delivery of animal fodder, the truck held an estimated Rs 24 lakh worth of alcohol, including 200 cartons of beer and 304 cartons of Goa Whiskey.

According to Assistant Excise Commissioner Abhishek Tiwari, the total valuation, including the vehicle, reaches Rs 40 lakh. Despite the seizure, no arrests were made at the scene, but authorities are diligently investigating the alcohol's origin and seeking out the truck driver.

This crackdown comes on the heels of the Madhya Pradesh government's liquor ban targeting 19 cities deemed important for their religious and cultural heritage. Concurrently, in Delhi, five individuals were apprehended for illegal liquor transit via camels, with 42 cartons seized, highlighting the innovative yet unlawful tactics smugglers are employing.

(With inputs from agencies.)