DEEP DIVES In a jaw-dropping bust, Pune’s State Excise Department intercepted a massive illegal liquor shipment worth ₹52.28 lakh! On May 15, 2025, officials stopped a six-wheeler truck near Vallabhnagar Bus Stop on the old Pune-Mumbai Highway. Inside, they found 305 boxes of Royal Blue Whisky—illegally made in Goa and smuggled into Maharashtra.
This whisky alone was valued at ₹24.88 lakh, while the truck used for smuggling was worth ₹27.40 lakh, making the total haul a staggering ₹52.28 lakh.
The Operation
The operation was no small feat. Led by Inspector S.K. Kolhe and backed by senior officers including Excise Commissioner Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, the team acted swiftly on a tip-off. One man, Vishal Suklal Varade from Jalgaon, was arrested for his role in this daring smuggling attempt.
Impact and Call to Action
This crackdown highlights the serious losses the government faces from illegal liquor trading. Authorities are cracking down hard and urge citizens to report suspicious activities via:
- A toll-free number
What happens next in this unfolding story of smuggling and law enforcement? The investigation is heating up, and Pune’s streets might just be safer thanks to this bold move.
Stay tuned to DEEP DIVES for more latest updates.
About The Author
