The Maharashtra Excise Department successfully dismantled a large inter-state illicit liquor racket in Thane, seizing contraband worth Rs 32 lakh and uncovering a sophisticated refilling operation.
The Maharashtra Excise Department has dismantled a major inter-state illicit liquor racket operating in Thane district, seizing contraband valued at Rs 32 lakh after conducting multiple raids over the last four days, an officer said on Saturday.
Officials intercepted two four-wheelers in Bhiwandi on the night of March 10, leading to the recovery of 10 jars with a capacity of 20 litres each and 2,000 bottles of whiskey. Four individuals were detained at the spot, and goods valued at Rs 19.29 lakh were seized, said Superintendent of State Excise (Thane) Pravin Tambe.
Further investigation led the excise team to conduct raids at the residences of suspected buyers and suppliers in Chavdar Pada and Kongaon.
During the raids, officials uncovered a sophisticated liquor "refilling" operation. They recovered several 20-litre jars filled with liquor along with hundreds of empty and filled bottles of premium whiskey brands, Tambe added.
Another raid was conducted on March 12 at a farmhouse in the Vaijula area, where 240 boxes of whiskey, which is strictly for sale in Goa, empty jars, and bottling materials were seized.
Additionally, Rs 2.07 lakh worth of liquor was recovered on March 13, bringing the total value of seized contraband to approximately Rs 32 lakh, and vehicles to Rs 15 lakh.
One of the primary accused, Soma Krishna Jadhav, was produced before a local court following the expiry of his initial police remand. The court has remanded him to judicial custody. His three other associates have been served notices under various sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
A case has been registered at the Padgha police station under the relevant sections of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act.