Excise authorities apprehended a lorry engaged in the illicit transportation of liquor from Goa to Telangana, seizing 21 different liquor brands valued at ₹43.93 lakh in Belgaum. The operation also led to the confiscation of a vehicle worth ₹20 lakh, along with impounded goods totaling ₹63.93 lakh.
The discovery came following intelligence indicating the unauthorized movement of Goan liquor, involving 250 boxes. Personnel were stationed near the Sangolli Rayanna circle of Peeranawadi in the taluk, and the vehicle was located at 3:30 am on a Sunday. Interestingly, the liquor boxes were concealed beneath an empty cardboard box and layers of paper. The driver managed to flee upon realizing the situation.
Dr. Y. Manjunath, the Additional Excise Commissioner, highlighted that this incident differed from previous attempts to transport concealed liquor, which involved plywood and power transformers. This time, it appeared to involve the transportation of high-value liquor bottles.
Based on information from the excise department, authorities have confiscated 2,260 liters of Goan liquor comprising 21 different brands, in addition to 72 liters of beer contained in 250 cardboard boxes. The officers also took possession of the truck, valued at Rs 20 lakh, while the driver managed to escape during the operation.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Belgaum Divisional Excise Joint Commissioner Feroze Khan Killedar, along with Deputy Commissioner M. Vanajakshi and Superintendent Vijaya Hiremath, led by Belgaum Sub-Divisional Deputy Superintendent Ravi Murugoda.
