Pune: In a significant crackdown on illegal alcohol production, transportation, and sales, the Pune division of the State Excise Department's raid team seized goods valued at ₹17,27,160 during a series of operations across Pune district. This initiative was part of the liquor ban week observed from October 2 to October 6, 2024.

The raid team launched a focused campaign aimed at addressing the rising issues of illegal local distillation, illicit transportation, and unauthorized sales of alcohol.

Throughout the week, the team executed consistent raids on various roadside eateries suspected of illegal alcohol sales, resulting in the registration of 22 cases. Among these, 18 were inherited cases, while four were classified as non-inherited. A total of 14 individuals have been charged in connection with these offenses.

The extensive raids led to the confiscation of numerous items, including 14,400 liters of chemicals used in illegal distillation, 2,115 liters of locally distilled liquor, 40 liters of domestic spirits, 10 liters of foreign alcohol, 16 liters of beer, and six vehicles used for transporting the illegal liquor. The vehicles included one four-wheeler, one three-wheeler, and four two-wheelers.

The successful operations were executed by a dedicated team of officers, including sub-inspectors Atul Patil, Viraj Mane, Dheeraj Saste, along with personnel P.T. Kadam, R.J. Chavan, A.R. Thorat, S.S. Ponde, S.C. Bhat, R.T. Taralkar, and A.R. Dalvi.

Inspector Narendra Thorat of the State Excise Department emphasized the department's commitment to continuing these operations against illegal liquor businesses. He also urged the public to report any information regarding illegal alcohol production and sales to the Pune division of the State Excise Department for prompt action.