LiquorSeizure – Surendranagar Police Intercept Major Illegal Liquor Shipment on Highway
LiquorSeizure – The Local Crime Branch of Surendranagar police has uncovered a major case of illegal liquor transportation after seizing a large consignment of foreign alcohol from a stationary truck along the Chotila–Sayla National Highway. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that the seized liquor alone is valued at Rs 85.66 lakh, marking one of the significant recoveries in the district in recent months.
Authorities said the operation was carried out following precise intelligence inputs that pointed to suspicious activity near the Sangani village junction in Chotila taluka. Acting swiftly on the information, police teams moved to verify the tip-off during routine highway surveillance.
Targeted Intelligence Leads to Highway Operation
According to officials, the intelligence suggested that a truck parked within the compound of Gopal Hotel was being used to transport foreign liquor illegally. The information was shared with the Local Crime Branch as part of intensified monitoring efforts ordered by Superintendent of Police Premsukh Delu, who has directed officers to strengthen enforcement against prohibition-related violations.
Based on these inputs, an LCB team led by the Police Inspector and Police Sub-Inspector J. Y. Pathan proceeded to the location with supporting personnel. The team secured the area and began a detailed inspection of the vehicle.
Liquor Hidden Beneath Fertiliser Bags
During the search, officers discovered that the liquor consignment had been carefully concealed beneath stacks of fertiliser bags, a method commonly used to evade detection during highway checks. Upon unloading and inspection, police recovered a total of 11,496 bottles of foreign liquor from the truck.
Officials said the concealment indicated a deliberate attempt to bypass routine inspections, suggesting organised planning behind the transportation of the banned items.
Breakdown of Seized Property and Valuation
Police provided a detailed assessment of the seized materials. The foreign liquor bottles were valued at Rs 85,66,800, while the truck trailer used for transportation was estimated to be worth Rs 20 lakh. In addition, 225 bags of fertiliser, valued at Rs 67,500, were also seized, along with a mobile phone worth approximately Rs 500 and other related items found at the site.
The combined value of all seized property, including the vehicle and materials, was calculated at Rs 1,06,34,800, officials confirmed.
Police Emphasise Vigilance on Highways
Confirming the action, SP Premsukh Delu said that district police units have maintained heightened surveillance on major highways to prevent the movement of illegal liquor. He noted that the successful interception was the result of coordinated intelligence gathering and timely action by the Local Crime Branch.
Delu added that further investigation is underway to identify all individuals connected to the illegal consignment, including those responsible for sending and receiving the liquor.
Case Registered, Accused Remain at Large
A formal case has been registered at Chotila Police Station under provisions of the Prohibition Act. The complaint names the truck driver and vehicle owner, along with unidentified individuals believed to be part of the supply chain.
Police officials said all the accused are currently absconding. Special teams have been formed to trace their movements, identify links within the network, and take further legal action.
Part of Ongoing Statewide Enforcement Drive
The Surendranagar seizure comes amid continued enforcement efforts across the state to curb the illegal movement of liquor. Authorities have reported similar interceptions in recent weeks, reflecting sustained pressure on smuggling routes.
In another recent operation, enforcement agencies seized foreign liquor worth approximately Rs 1.79 crore from a truck parked at a hotel compound along the Rajkot–Ahmedabad highway in Surat district, underscoring the scale of ongoing violations and the focus on highway-based monitoring.