Ahmedabad, despite being in Gujarat—a state with strict prohibition laws—continues to see a thriving illicit liquor trade. Recent police data reveals a staggering number of alcohol seizures, highlighting the ongoing battle against bootlegging.
Massive Seizures Across the State
In 2024, Gujarat police confiscated 8.2 million bottles of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), valued at ₹144 crore. This means that, on average, authorities seized one bottle every four seconds throughout the year.
In Ahmedabad alone, police recovered 4.38 lakh bottles from the city, its rural areas, and the Western Railways jurisdiction. Ahmedabad city itself saw 3.06 lakh bottles seized, amounting to ₹5.78 crore, with authorities confiscating a bottle roughly every two minutes.
Apart from IMFL, the city police also cracked down on countrymade liquor, seizing 1.58 lakh litres worth ₹55.45 lakh across 7,796 cases.
Police Crackdowns and Smugglers’ Tricks
Vadodara rural topped the list for the highest-value seizures, with police intercepting ₹9.8 crore worth of IMFL, often hidden in secret truck compartments and godowns.
In Surat rural, authorities busted an interstate liquor racket that disguised ₹8.9 crore worth of IMFL as household goods. Navsari followed closely, seizing 6.23 lakh bottles valued at ₹8.8 crore, while bootleggers in Godhra were caught trying to flood the market with illicit alcohol during festive seasons.
Bhavnagar rounded off the top five, with authorities confiscating ₹8.7 crore worth of IMFL and countrymade liquor. Smugglers used creative hiding spots like water tanks and vegetable-laden trucks to evade detection at highway checkpoints.
A Persistent Challenge
Despite continued efforts, authorities admit that completely stopping the flow of liquor is nearly impossible. A retired DGP pointed out that besides smuggling from neighboring states, local illicit breweries also contribute to the problem. He warned that a lack of strict enforcement could lead to another hooch tragedy.
Gujarat has witnessed several deadly liquor incidents in the past. In July 2022, 42 people died in Ahmedabad, Botad, and Bhavnagar after consuming toxic countrymade liquor laced with methyl alcohol. A similar tragedy in 2009 claimed 148 lives in Ahmedabad. More recently, in February 2024, seven people died after drinking a toxic mixture sold in herbal syrup bottles.
Despite smugglers’ evolving tactics, Gujarat police remain determined to enforce prohibition laws. “No matter how creative these bootleggers get, we will not allow lawlessness in Gandhi’s land,” a senior officer affirmed.
