Lucknow: In a major crackdown on liquor smuggling, a joint team of the Excise Department, the Special Task Force (STF), and Itaunja Police seized 443 cases of illegal foreign liquor from a truck on the outskirts of Lucknow. The consignment, marked “FOR SALE IN CHANDIGARH ONLY”, was being transported without valid permits.
The operation was carried out under the ongoing special enforcement drive initiated on the instructions of the Excise Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh and the District Magistrate, Lucknow. Around midnight on Wednesday, teams led by Excise Inspectors Kaushalendra Rawat, Vijay Rathi, Akhil Kumar Gupta, Abhishek Singh, Akhilesh Kumar, and Harikesh Shukla conducted intensive checking near the Itaunja Toll Plaza on Sitapur Road.
During routine inspection, officials intercepted a truck bearing registration number PB 65 AH 3597. A thorough search revealed 443 cases of non-state foreign liquor, including popular brands such as Royal Stag, Bacardi, All Seasons, and Old Habit.
Upon questioning, the truck driver, Sushil Kumar, confessed that the consignment had been loaded in Chandigarh and was being illegally transported to Bihar. Authorities seized his mobile phone and ₹5,700 in cash. The vehicle and the liquor stock were taken into custody.
A case has been registered at Itaunja Police Station under relevant sections pertaining to excise violations and smuggling. Officials confirmed that the enforcement drive will continue as part of the state’s intensified campaign to curb illegal liquor trafficking.
