Navsari, September 19, 2026: The Navsari LCB Police has uncovered a significant liquor smuggling operation during a special prohibition drive in Gujarat. Police seized Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), a container vehicle and a mobile phone collectively valued at approximately ₹38.27 lakh.
One person was arrested in connection with the case, while police have launched further investigations to identify other individuals allegedly involved in the transportation and supply network.
Liquor Consignment Intercepted on NH-48
According to the police press note issued on September 19, the action was carried out on September 18, 2026, based on specific information received by LCB personnel.
A police team reportedly set up a checkpoint and surveillance operation on National Highway 48, on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad route, near the northern end of the Alipore Vasudhara Dairy Overbridge, opposite Alipore Hospital in the Chikhli taluka area of Navsari district.
The vehicle was allegedly carrying liquor concealed inside 237 cardboard boxes. The seized stock included Indian-made whisky, vodka and canned beer.
9,312 Liquor Bottles Seized by Navsari LCB
Navsari LCB recovered a total of 9,312 bottles, containing approximately 2,280.480 litres of liquor. The estimated value of the seized liquor was placed at ₹28,22,160.
In addition to the liquor consignment, authorities also seized:
- Ashok Leyland container vehicle – estimated value ₹10 lakh
- One mobile phone – estimated value ₹5,000
The total value of the seized material was approximately ₹38,27,160.
Driver Arrested, Three Others Wanted
The arrested accused was identified as 31-year-old Niraj, son of Rammanohar Babuddin Tripathi, originally from Banda district in Uttar Pradesh and currently residing in the Vapi area of Valsad district.
Police stated that he was driving the seized container vehicle at the time of interception. The investigation has also identified other suspected individuals allegedly connected with the operation. These include:
- A person known as Yadav, who allegedly arranged the loading of the liquor consignment.
- An unidentified individual in Ahmedabad who allegedly ordered the liquor.
- The current owner of the container vehicle and other persons whose involvement may emerge during the investigation.
The complete identities and whereabouts of the wanted suspects are yet to be established.
Case Registered at Chikhli Police Station
Following the seizure, a prohibition case was registered at Chikhli Police Station against the arrested accused and other suspected persons.
The action was conducted as part of a special prohibition drive ordered across Gujarat from September 10 to September 25, 2026, aimed at curbing the illegal transportation, sale and consumption of liquor.
Senior police officials had instructed local crime branch teams to strengthen surveillance, gather intelligence and take strict action against prohibition-related offences.
Police Officials Involved in the Operation
The operation was carried out under the guidance of senior Navsari Police officials and involved officers and personnel from the Local Crime Branch.
The police team included:
- Senior Police Inspector V. J. Jadeja
- PSI Y. G. Gadhvi
- PSI M. B. Gamit
- Head Constables Mahendrasinh Narayansinh and Brajeshbhai Satishchandra
- Police Constables Kiranbhai Bhagubhai and Tahir Ali Sahabuddin
Further investigation is underway to trace the alleged supply chain and identify all individuals involved in the illegal liquor transportation network.
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