Gujarat Police Seize 56,000+ Liquor Bottles Worth ₹5 Crore in Major Kutch Bootlegging Crackdown

In one of the biggest liquor seizures reported in Gujarat in recent times, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of Gujarat Police intercepted a massive consignment of illegal alcohol in Kutch district on February 20, 2026. Authorities confiscated more than 56,000 bottles of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) and vehicles used for transportation.

The operation exposed a wider bootlegging network that stretches across multiple states, with police continuing their search for several suspects linked to the case.

Massive Liquor Seizure in Kutch

The raid was carried out in Vadvala village in the Kutch district, where officers uncovered a large-scale illegal liquor transport operation.

Officials confirmed that:

• Total bottles seized: 56,088 IMFL bottles
• Estimated liquor value: Around ₹4 crore

Total seizure value (including vehicles): Over ₹5.09 crore

Authorities say the seizure is among the largest liquor busts in Gujarat in recent months, highlighting ongoing attempts to smuggle alcohol into the prohibition state.

Fleet of Vehicles Used for Smuggling

Investigators found that smugglers were using multiple vehicles to move the alcohol shipment across the region.

Police seized:

2 heavy trucks

3 mini trucks

1 pickup van

Officials believe the vehicles were part of a well-organized logistics chain designed to distribute liquor across different locations in Gujarat.

Two Arrested, 23 More on the Run

During the operation, police detained two individuals suspected of being directly involved in transporting the consignment.

The arrested suspects include:

• Jasram Bharwad, a resident of Rapar in Kutch
• Vishal Karamakam, a resident of Meghpar

According to investigators, 23 additional individuals have been declared wanted in connection with the case.

Key Accused and Alleged Network

Police sources say the illegal supply chain includes suppliers operating from outside Gujarat and local distributors working within the state.

Authorities identified:

Main Supplier

Mustafa, also known by aliases Rahul and Mahakal Pathan, reportedly based in Mewat, Haryana

Local Receivers

Navjoyot alias Navghan Maraj

Anopsinh Rathod

Devendra alias Devo Kapdi

Officials suspect the network has been active for some time and may be linked to previous bootlegging operations in the region.

How the Operation Was Conducted

The crackdown was carried out under the leadership of PSI S. V. Galchar from the State Monitoring Cell. Acting on intelligence inputs, officers intercepted the convoy and seized the liquor stock before it could be distributed.

The arrested individuals were later handed over to Paddhar Police Station, where further investigation is underway under provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act.

Authorities are now working to trace the remaining accused and identify additional links in the smuggling chain.

Gujarat’s Strict Prohibition Laws

Gujarat remains one of the few states in India where the sale, possession, and transportation of alcohol are heavily restricted under prohibition laws. Despite strict regulations, illegal liquor smuggling continues to be a major enforcement challenge.

Police agencies have intensified monitoring along highways and border districts to curb such activities.

The Kutch seizure highlights the scale at which bootlegging networks continue to operate despite strict prohibition laws in Gujarat. With over ₹5 crore worth of liquor and vehicles confiscated, authorities believe the operation has dealt a significant blow to the smuggling network.

Investigations are ongoing, and police are expected to make more arrests as they track down the remaining suspects involved in the case.

FAQ

What happened in the Gujarat liquor seizure case?

Gujarat Police seized over 56,000 bottles of illegal liquor worth more than ₹5 crore during a raid in Kutch district on February 20, 2026.

Where did the seizure take place?

The operation was conducted in Vadvala village in the Kutch district of Gujarat.

How many people were arrested?

Two individuals were arrested at the scene, while 23 others have been declared wanted by the police.

Who was supplying the liquor?

Police identified a suspected supplier named Mustafa (alias Rahul or Mahakal Pathan) believed to be operating from Mewat, Haryana.

Which law will apply in this case?

The case is being investigated under provisions of the Gujarat Prohibition Act, which restricts alcohol production, sale, and transport in the state.