New Delhi — In a major breakthrough against bootlegging and the smuggling of illicit liquor, the Anti-Narcotics Cell of North District, Delhi Police, successfully apprehended two bootleggers transporting a massive stock of illegal liquor meant for sale in Haryana. Acting on a secret tip-off, the team recovered 52 cartons of illicit liquor (2,600 quarter bottles) and seized the Maruti Swift Dzire car used for transportation.
Crackdown Under Special Drive Against Illicit Liquor
The North District Police, under a special initiative to curb the smuggling of liquor from neighboring states, has intensified surveillance and enforcement measures. As part of this drive, a dedicated team led by SI Jagbir Singh, In-charge, Anti-Narcotics Cell, comprising SI Vijay, HC Rahul, and HC Vijay, was deployed under the supervision of ACP Operations Sh. Anil Kumar. The team’s proactive efforts to dismantle bootlegging networks have paid dividends with this latest operation.
The Operation
On March 13, 2025, around noon, the Anti-Narcotics Cell received credible intelligence about two individuals transporting illicit liquor in a white Maruti Swift Dzire (HR-16-U3121) towards Street No. 10, Sangam Vihar, from the Kundali Border area of Haryana. Swiftly acting on the input, the team laid a strategic trap with the aid of ground surveillance and technical inputs.
At 12:10 PM, the suspected vehicle was intercepted near Devine Hospital Road. The driver was identified as Kundan Kumar (28), a resident of Bajidpur, Sonipat, Haryana, and the passenger as Hemant Gupta (24), a resident of Narela, Delhi. A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 52 cartons of illicit liquor, including brands like Falcon Frost Distilleries (40 cartons), Race-7 Metro (6 cartons), and Night Blue Metro (6 cartons) — all marked “For Sale in Haryana Only.”
Legal Action and Investigation
A case was registered under FIR No. 120/25, dated 13.03.2025, U/s 33/58 Delhi Excise Act at PS Wazirabad, and SI Vijay took charge of further investigation. During interrogation, the accused revealed they were working on the directions of a Haryana-based supplier known as Basu, who had promised them Rs. 1,000 per delivery. The accused were en route to deliver the consignment to a person named Monu in Sangam Vihar but were apprehended before the transaction could take place.
Raids and Manhunt Launched
Subsequent raids were conducted at Basu’s known hideouts, but he remains at large. Efforts are underway to nab him and dismantle the wider network involved in this illegal trade.
Criminal History of Accused
- Kundan Kumar has two prior cases under the Excise Act at PS Wazirabad and Swaroop Nagar.
- Hemant Gupta has a criminal background with three previous cases of theft and Excise Act violations at PS Sagarpur, Najafgarh, and Bhalswa Dairy.
Seized Items
- 52 cartons of illicit liquor (2,600 quarter bottles).
- One Maruti Swift Dzire, used for transportation, owned by the main supplier Basu.
This operation marks another significant step in the ongoing efforts by the North District Police to clamp down on the illegal liquor trade and ensure public health and safety.
Raja Banthia, IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, North District, Delhi, praised the efforts of the Anti-Narcotics Cell, stating:
“This successful operation underscores our unwavering commitment to curb the supply of illicit substances and ensure the safety of our citizens. The vigilance and prompt action of our team not only disrupted a key supply chain but also sent a strong message to those engaged in illegal activities.”
