Gujarat's prohibition laws continue to be tested as authorities seized 82 lakh bottles of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) across the state in 2024. According to police data, this translates to one bottle being seized every four seconds. The seized liquor, valued at Rs 144 crore, was caught in multiple raids conducted throughout the year.

Ahmedabad tops the List

Ahmedabad city, Ahmedabad rural, and Western Railways' Ahmedabad jurisdiction recorded the highest number of liquor takeovers, with a staggering 4,38,047 IMFL bottles seized. In Ahmedabad city alone, 2,139 cases were registered, leading to the seizure of 3.06 lakh bottles. Additionally, police cracked down on country-made liquor operations, registering 7,796 cases and seizing over 1.58 lakh liters of illicit alcohol.

Raids across the state 

Authorities in Vadodara unearthed hidden IMFL stock worth Rs 9.8 crore from trucks and godowns, while a major bust in Surat rural exposed an interstate racket smuggling liquor disguised as household goods, amounting to Rs 8.9 crore in illicit stock. Navsari followed closely with a seizure of 6.23 lakh IMFL bottles.

In Godhra, the police  seized liquor worth Rs 8.8 crore, while Bhavnagar’s enforcement teams discovered alcohol hidden in water tanks and beneath fresh vegetable loads, leading to seizures worth Rs 8.7 crore.

The widespread seizures have urged authorities to remain alert against evolving smuggling techniques. A senior police official, speaking to TOI, emphasized the state’s commitment to upholding prohibition laws. “For the smugglers, the raids served as a stark reminder that no matter how innovative their tactics may be, they will not be allowed to violate the law. The message is clear: There’s no room for the spirit of lawlessness in the land of Gandhi.”

While the crackdown on smuggled liquor has been substantial, law enforcement officials are now turning their focus to illegal local breweries that could fuel future crises. A retired police official stressed the importance of proactive measures, warning, “Cops also need to crack down on local breweries. A lack of vigilance can lead to another hooch tragedy.”

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