Udupi: Massive liquor seizure worth Rs 15 lakh in Bola village raid

Udupi: In a well-coordinated operation, the Excise Department officials conducted two simultaneous raids in Bola village of Karkala taluk, seizing a large cache of high-value liquor brands valued at approximately Rs 15 lakh. Acting on a tip-off, a team led by Excise Deputy Commissioner Bindushree targeted the residences of two suspects, uncovering a substantial illegal stockpile of liquor in a quiet rural setting.

The primary raid focused on the house of Avinash Malli in Bola village, where officers found a staggering 272 boxes of liquor with a combined volume of 2,360.850 litres. The seized collection included premium brands like Johnny Walker Black Label, Black and White, Mansion House, and other Goa-manufactured liquor varieties, raising suspicions of potential smuggling operations across state borders. Officers were alarmed by the quantity and range of liquor brands, hinting at a possible network for distribution in local or nearby regions.

A second raid took place simultaneously at a property named Barimaru Guttu, also in Bola village. These coordinated raids resulted from intelligence reports suggesting the illicit stocking of liquor in the area. Initial investigations indicate that the liquor may have been smuggled for resale in the black market, circumventing state excise regulations.

Excise Deputy Commissioner Bindushree addressed the press, stating, “We have seized 272 boxes of various liquor brands. The total volume of the seized stock amounts to 2,360.850 litres, with an estimated market value of Rs 15 lakh. Goa-manufactured liquor is commonly smuggled and resold illegally, which affects revenue and poses health risks.”

Officials believe that the large stockpile was intended for resale in Karkala and surrounding areas, potentially tapping into local demand without paying the mandated taxes and excise duties. In addition, excise officials suspect the quality of some of the liquor, raising concerns that portions of the stock could be spurious, posing severe health risks to consumers.

Authorities have filed two separate cases against Avinash Malli of Bola and Prashanth Suvarna of Adi Udupi, both of whom are now absconding. The department has launched a manhunt for the suspects, seeking additional information about the source and distribution channels involved in this illegal trade. This raid is part of a larger crackdown on unlicensed liquor operations in the Udupi district as the excise department aims to curb smuggling and safeguard public health.

The operation is expected to continue as investigators work to trace the logistics network behind this haul and track down any further hidden stocks.