Modified ambulance intercepted near Ghoshpukur
The Bengal excise department and police carried out a series of operations across the Siliguri subdivision over the past 24 hours, targeting the illegal transportation and sale of liquor.
The major seizure took place on Wednesday evening, when an excise team intercepted a vehicle modified to resemble an ambulance near the Ghoshpukur bypass.
Officials had received information about a consignment of liquor allegedly being transported illegally through Phansidewa to avoid payment of excise duty. Acting on the tip-off, the Darjeeling district excise department arranged an ambush along the suspected route.
The team stopped the vehicle and searched its interior, where a large quantity of liquor packed in cartons was discovered.
According to an excise department source, the operation resulted in the recovery of 109 cartons containing approximately 981 litres of non-duty-paid liquor.
The seized liquor and the modified ambulance have an estimated combined value of around ₹32 lakh.
Driver escapes as investigation begins
Although the excise team successfully intercepted the vehicle and seized the consignment, its driver managed to escape from the spot.
The department has registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Bengal Excise Act, 1909, and an investigation is underway to identify and arrest those involved in the alleged smuggling operation.
Officials suspect that smugglers may have been using specially modified ambulances to transport liquor while attempting to avoid detection during enforcement checks.
The use of a vehicle resembling an emergency medical service vehicle has raised concerns about attempts to exploit its appearance to move illicit goods through areas where routine inspections are conducted.
Two arrested in separate police operations
Apart from the major seizure near Ghoshpukur, police teams from Pradhannagar and Bhaktinagar police stations under the Siliguri Police Commissionerate conducted separate operations and arrested two people.
Pradhannagar police arrested Rakesh Paul, a resident of Gunjabari in Cooch Behar. Officers recovered 28 bottles of country-made liquor from his possession.
In another operation, Bhaktinagar police arrested Surendar Sahani, who lives in Prakash Nagar. Twelve sealed bottles of country spirit were seized during the action.
The two arrests formed part of the wider enforcement drive against the illegal possession and distribution of liquor in the subdivision.
Illegal hooch dens destroyed in Bagdogra
Bagdogra police also conducted a raid in the Bhojnarayan area on Thursday and destroyed illegal hooch dens, according to a source.
The operation was aimed at disrupting unauthorised liquor production and sale in the locality.
The series of raids reflects coordinated enforcement efforts by the excise department and local police to curb liquor smuggling, illegal sales and the operation of illicit brewing units across the Siliguri subdivision.
