In a stunning blow to illicit liquor traffickers, Ahmedabad police uncovered a massive smuggling operation on Sunday night, seizing over 10,000 bottles of foreign liquor cleverly concealed beneath hundreds of helmets in a truck. The dramatic bust took place near Narol on SP Ring Road, highlighting the ingenuity criminals employ to evade Gujarat’s strict prohibition laws.
Acting on a tip-off, the Prohibition and Excise (PCB) team set up surveillance at Aslali Circle close to Sainath Parking. When they flagged down the suspicious truck late into the night, a thorough search revealed 1,053 helmets loaded on the upper section, each hiding premium foreign booze underneath. The total haul included 10,749 bottles valued at approximately ₹63.86 lakh, with the helmets themselves worth ₹5.25 lakh. Authorities also impounded the truck, a mobile phone, and cash, pushing the overall seizure value beyond ₹84.22 lakh.
The driver, 38-year-old Johnny Baldevsingh Chandel from Hawani village in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, was arrested on the spot. Initial probes suggest the consignment originated from Chandigarh and was destined for Junagadh, flouting state dry laws. Interrogations are underway to unravel the supply chain and intended recipients.
“This method was deliberately chosen to slip past routine checks,” a senior officer explained. Narol police are collaborating with other agencies to dismantle the broader network. The operation underscores the vital role of intelligence in combating cross-border smuggling, where traffickers often camouflage contraband with legitimate goods.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Just months ago, in October 2025, Solah High Court police seized 5,520 bottles worth ₹30.9 lakh hidden in medicine boxes near Gota Bridge. In September, Vadodara’s Special Monitoring Cell nabbed 8,231 bottles valued at ₹44.93 lakh from a pickup truck. Gujarat’s law enforcers remain vigilant against such ruses, sending a strong message to bootleggers.