Thane Excise Department Cracks Down on Illicit Liquor Mafia Ahead of New Year’s Eve
Thane, 1st January 2023: In a relentless pursuit to curb the activities of the notorious liquor mafia, officials from the C-division of the excise department in Thane scored a major victory as they intercepted and seized a significant quantity of illicit (haath-bhatti) liquor on Sunday in Bhayandar.
The successful operation was based on a tip-off, and excise inspector Ashok Desle led the team under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner (Konkan) Prasad Surve and Excise Superintendent Nilesh Sangade. Acting on intelligence, the officials strategically set up a trap near Rai village, resulting in the apprehension of a Wagon-R car. Upon inspection, the team discovered over 580 litres of illicit liquor stored in plastic bags.
The driver, Tanaji Prakash Patil, and the other occupant, Ram Pandit Aade, were promptly taken into custody. The excise team seized both the illicit liquor and the car, marking a significant blow against the illicit liquor trade.
This interception is part of the excise department’s proactive measures ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations. Throughout December, intensified raids conducted across different areas of Thane district have resulted in the confiscation of liquor exceeding Rs. 1.12 crore. The authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe and lawful environment during the upcoming festivities.
In a separate but coordinated effort, the anti-human trafficking unit (AHTU) of the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police dismantled an illicit liquor manufacturing unit situated in an isolated area in Mashachapada, Kashimira.
Led by ASI Umesh Patil, the police team seized 165 litres of ready illicit liquor and various ingredients. Additionally, they dismantled the equipment used for brewing the hooch. The sole individual arrested, Ashok Laadkya, faces charges under the relevant sections of the Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949 in both cases.
Further investigations are currently underway in both instances, as authorities aim to unravel the networks involved in the illicit liquor trade.
