In a significant crackdown, the police executed a major operation near Kakati in Belgaum, against a liquor smuggling gang engaged in transporting illegal alcohol from Goa to the state in a filmy manner. The operation resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of liquor, and two individuals, Mehboob and Asif, have been apprehended in connection with the illicit activities. Mehboob, a resident of Yaragatti, and Asif, hailing from Bagalkote, are currently in custody, undergoing interrogation by the Excise Police.
The unfolding of events was nothing short of cinematic. The accused, Khadeem, devised an elaborate plan involving a 16-wheeled lorry loaded with bags of mushroom seeds. Cleverly concealing boxes of Goa liquor among the bags, Khadeem intended to transport the contraband from Goa to Madhya Pradesh via Karnataka. Acting on specific information, the Excise police conducted a raid, intercepting the lorry near Kakati in Belgaum.
The revelation during the inspection was startling, as hidden amidst the bags of mushrooms were substantial quantities of illegal liquor. The residents of Belgaum were taken aback by the extent of this underground liquor trafficking network, with college youths capturing the scene on their mobile phones. This marks the fifth successful operation in the past three months, underscoring the authorities’ commitment to combating such illegal activities. In a similar operation last month, the police seized a significant amount of liquor.
The Belgaum Excise Department is maintaining heightened vigilance, particularly in light of the upcoming New Year celebrations, as they combat the persistent challenge of illegal liquor smuggling from Goa to Karnataka. Rigorous vehicle checks are being conducted on all incoming traffic from Goa to deter such illicit activities.
