The State Excise Department seized 305 boxes of spurious Goa-made liquor along with a six-wheeler transport vehicle, collectively valued at ₹52,28,800, on Thursday. The operation was carried out on the old Pune-Mumbai Highway near Vallabhnagar bus stop, Pimpri. The accused, identified as Vishal Sukhlal Varade (31), a resident of Jalgaon district, was arrested on the spot.
According to the information, acting on a tip-off, during the vehicle inspection on the old Pune-Mumbai highway, a team of the Excise Department intercepted a mini truck. During the search operation, 305 boxes of Royal Blue Whisky, each bottle containing 180 ml of liquor, manufactured in Goa and intended for sale exclusively within the state of Goa, were found hidden in the truck.
The liquor, which is not permitted for sale in Maharashtra, was seized along with the vehicle. The market value of the seized liquor is estimated at ₹24,88,800, while the vehicle is valued at ₹27,40,000, bringing the total seizure to ₹52,28,800.
Charan Singh Rajput, Excise Superintendent of Pune Division, said such illegal import and sale of liquor from other states result in substantial revenue loss for the Maharashtra government. Similar actions have been taken in the past and will continue in the future. Violation of the rules will not be tolerated.
Citizens are urged to report any information regarding the illegal liquor trade to the State Excise Department, Pune, via office number 020-2612-7321. Complaints regarding illegal production, sale, or transportation of liquor can also be reported to the department’s toll-free number 1800 233 9999 or WhatsApp at 8422001133.
The team that conducted the raid included Inspector Sanjay Kolhe, Sub-Inspector Abhay Aute, BG Redekar, Ganesh Pathare and support staff Pramod Palve, Vijay Ghandure, Amol Kamble and woman constable Priya Chandanshiwe.
