New Delhi, May 19 : The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) of Shahdara District Police on Tuesday has achieved a major breakthrough against illegal liquor smuggling by apprehending a liquor supplier and recovering 1,200 quarters of illicit liquor intended for illegal distribution in Delhi. Police also seized a car allegedly used for transporting the contraband.

According to police officials, the operation was carried out following specific Intelligence inputs received by ANTF/Shahdara on May 15. The information suggested that an individual identified as Anand would arrive near J&K Block, Dilshad Garden, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Seemapuri, around 7:30 P.M. in a white Hyundai Xcent car to deliver a consignment of illicit liquor.

The Intelligence further indicated that a substantial quantity of illegal liquor could be recovered if a timely raid was conducted.

After verification of the information, a dedicated raiding team comprising SI Dheer Singh, ASI Shokinder, HC Vikas Malik, HC Rajesh Kumar, HC Pankaj Kumar, HC Vedpal, and Constable Arjun was constituted under the leadership of Inspector Vinod Kumar, In-charge of ANTF/Shahdara. The operation was conducted under the supervision of ACP Vivek Vihar and the overall guidance of DCP Shahdara.

During the operation, the police team laid a trap near Main Road, J&K Block, Dilshad Garden, and successfully apprehended the accused. Upon checking the vehicle, police recovered a large quantity of illicit liquor concealed for illegal supply in Delhi. The recovered liquor and the vehicle were seized and taken into police custody.

Subsequently, a case vide FIR No. 337/2026 dated May 16, 2026, under Sections 33 and 58 of the Delhi Excise Act, was registered at Police Station Seemapuri.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed the identities of several individuals involved in the supply of illicit liquor. Police said further raids are being conducted to identify and apprehend other members of the supply chain and receivers involved in the illegal trade.

Officials added that efforts are underway to uncover the entire network responsible for the procurement, transportation, and distribution of the contraband liquor.

The recovery made by the police includes 1,200 quarters (24 boxes) of illicit liquor, each bottle containing 180 ml. The liquor was identified as 'Race-7 Metro Liquor.' Police also recovered a white Hyundai Xcent car bearing registration number DL-1RTB-XXXX, which was allegedly being used for transporting the illicit liquor.

The accused has been identified as Anand, a 33-year-old resident of Karkardooma, Delhi.

According to police, Anand reportedly worked as a daily wage labourer. During interrogation, it emerged that due to financial difficulties, he became involved in the illegal transportation and supply of liquor.

Police said further investigation is in progress to trace the source of the liquor, identify the supply chain, and determine the intended distribution network. Necessary legal action is being taken in accordance with the law.

/IANS