Excise department seizes massive liquor haul near Ghoom station

Jalpaiguri Excise Department officials have intercepted a major illegal liquor operation near Ghoom station based on information obtained from confidential sources. During a search of a vehicle loaded with passengers, officials discovered various types of liquor estimated to be worth around Rs 4 lakh. Notably, 120 cartoons filled with Sikkim liquor were among the seized items. Sources within the Excise Department revealed suspicions of a conspiracy aimed at evading revenue and distributing liquor illegally in West Bengal. It has been a recurring issue in the Darjeeling hill area, where liquor is unlawfully brought in from Sikkim and sold in passenger vehicles.

The Excise Department, having received persistent reports of such activities, launched a successful operation late on Sunday night. Although the passenger vehicle was seized, the driver remains at large as efforts are underway to identify and locate the owner using the vehicle's registration details. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of adulteration in the recovered liquor, prompting officials to send samples for laboratory testing. Excise Department official Sujit Das emphasized that ongoing investigations are aimed at uncovering the entirety of the illicit operation and identifying all involved parties.