In Gujarat, a state with strict prohibition laws, Ahmedabad police have reported a remarkable rate of liquor seizures, with one bottle confiscated every second minute. In 2024, Ahmedabad alone seized over 3.06 lakh bottles of Indian-Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) valued at ₹5.78 crore. Statewide, authorities confiscated 82 lakh bottles worth ₹144 crore, with Vadodara rural leading the crackdown.
Experts attribute these figures to enhanced police operations and sophisticated smuggling tactics involving hidden compartments in trucks and interstate transport networks. The persistence of such seizures highlights the ongoing battle against illicit liquor trade despite the state’s dry status.
Crackdown on Illicit Liquor Trade
Ahmedabad recorded 2,139 IMFL-related cases and 7,796 country-made liquor cases in 2024, resulting in the seizure of 1.58 lakh litres of illicit liquor worth ₹55.45 lakh. Police operations uncovered large stockpiles hidden in trucks and godowns, with Vadodara rural seizing liquor worth ₹9.8 crore and Surat rural confiscating disguised shipments valued at ₹8.9 crore. Navsari and Godhra also reported significant seizures linked to high-tech manufacturing units in neighbouring states.
Authorities attribute the success to stricter enforcement under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, which includes increased penalties for offenders. “The intensified crackdown is a result of coordinated efforts between various law enforcement agencies,” said a senior police official. “We are committed to eradicating the menace of illicit liquor.”
Prohibition Policy Under Scrutiny
Despite Gujarat’s stringent prohibition laws since 1960, the scale of liquor seizures underscores ongoing challenges in curbing illegal alcohol distribution. Amendments to the Prohibition Act in 2017 increased penalties to up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹5 lakh, yet bootlegging persists. Past incidents like the Ahmedabad hooch tragedy reveal the human cost of illicit liquor consumption, raising questions about the policy’s effectiveness.
Critics argue that while enforcement is crucial, addressing demand and providing alternative livelihoods for those involved in bootlegging is essential for sustainable change. “Prohibition has not been able to fully address the issue. We need to rethink our strategies,” noted a social activist.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The persistence of illicit liquor trade in Gujarat reflects a complex interplay of demand, enforcement challenges, and socio-economic factors. While stricter policing is commendable, addressing root causes such as public awareness and alternative livelihoods for those involved in bootlegging is crucial for sustainable change.
It is essential to strike a balance between the state’s prohibition ideals and practical realities. Can Gujarat find a more effective approach to manage the liquor trade while ensuring public safety and welfare? Share your thoughts below!
