Kalyan excise vigilance team seizes Rs 1 crore worth of liquor hidden in 'maggi' container

KALYAN: In a major action ahead of the New Year celebrations, the vigilance team of the Kalyan unit of the Excise Department has seized illicit liquor worth nearly ₹1 crore from a container on the Mumbai–Nashik highway. The consignment was being illegally transported from Goa and Madhya Pradesh to Maharashtra with the intention of selling it during the high-demand period around December 31.

Acting on specific intelligence, the Excise Department’s Vigilance team intercepted a container on the Bhiwandi bypass. The vehicle, which had a large Maggi noodles advertisement pasted on it, was suspected of being used as a cover to avoid attention during transit. Upon inspection, officials discovered a huge quantity of foreign liquor concealed inside the container. Preliminary investigations revealed that the liquor had been manufactured in Goa and Madhya Pradesh and was being transported without payment of the mandatory excise duty, making the entire consignment illegal.

The container driver has been identified as Asif Mohammad, who was taken into custody for questioning. The operation was led by Deepak Parab, Inspector with the Excise Department’s Vigilance wing, along with his team. Officials said the seizure was part of intensified checks being carried out across the region to prevent the illegal sale and transportation of liquor ahead of New Year’s Eve, when demand for alcohol typically spikes.

Following the seizure, the excise officials have begun a detailed investigation to identify those involved in the racket. Authorities are probing the supply chain to determine the source of the liquor, the intended recipients in Maharashtra, and the individuals or syndicates responsible for evading excise duty. Further action is expected based on the outcome of the investigation.

Excise officials said such enforcement drives will continue in the coming days to curb illegal liquor trade and ensure that government revenue is not lost due to tax evasion.