Smuglled Liquor Worth Over Rs 1.33 Crore Seized by Pune Excise Department
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Saswad, 12th July 2025: In a major crackdown, the flying squad of the State Excise Department from the Saswad division seized illicit liquor and related materials worth over ₹1.33 crore near Saswad village, along the Jejuri-Saswad Road at Veer Phata in Purandar taluka.
Superintendent of Pune State Excise Department Atul Kanade informed that the raid was carried out based on a tip-off received by the flying squad. The team laid a trap and intercepted a suspicious Tata LPT (1212) container truck bearing registration number MH-49-AT-3471.
Upon inspection, the authorities discovered that the container was transporting a huge quantity of illegally smuggled liquor from Goa. A total of 1,204 boxes of Royal Blue Malt Whisky, with each box containing 48 bottles of 180 ml, were found. This amounted to 57,792 bottles, valued at approximately ₹1.15 crore. Including the container truck and mobile phone seized from the accused, the total value of confiscated items reached ₹1,33,78,400.
An FIR has been registered against the driver under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, 1949. The accused has been taken into custody.
Deputy Superintendent Santosh Jagdale and Inspector Sambhaji Barge played key roles in the operation. Inspector Barge is leading the further investigation.
The State Excise Department has reaffirmed its commitment to continue strict action against illegal liquor production, transportation, and sale in the district. Citizens with information about such illegal activities are urged to contact the department via the toll-free number 1800-233-9999 or landline 020-26058633.
