In a significant pre-election crackdown on illegal activities, the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police dismantled a major illicit liquor brewing site hidden in the dense forests of Nallasopara. On Wednesday morning, crime branch officials led a raid on the remote hillside area near Saagpada, where they uncovered an illegal distillery producing large quantities of hooch. This operation, set up deep within the Nallasopara jungle, highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to curb the activities of bootleggers ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
The police operation was prompted by a tip-off received by Crime Branch Unit III, who have been stepping up efforts in recent weeks to prevent illegal practices from influencing or endangering the community as election season approaches. According to police inspector Pramod Badhaakh, who led the raid, the team moved into position at around 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Approaching the secluded site, officers discovered the brewing setup that had been discreetly built within the jungle’s hills. By the time the team arrived, however, those operating the distillery had fled, slipping into the surrounding jungle before they could be detained. Nonetheless, the police secured and destroyed the entire array of illegal goods and equipment on the spot to prevent any future use.
The items seized during the raid included several large barrels containing an estimated 1,520 liters of fermented jaggery wash, an essential ingredient in the production of hooch. Authorities also confiscated a variety of chemicals and other equipment crucial to the brewing process. All in all, the materials and equipment were valued at approximately ₹1.56 lakh. Officials destroyed everything they found to ensure the equipment and ingredients could not be reused, sending a message to other operators in the region about the risks of engaging in such illegal activities.
The raid falls under the enforcement of the Maharashtra Prohibition Act of 1949, which criminalizes the establishment or operation of any unauthorized distillery or brewing site, as well as the production of intoxicants without proper licensing. According to the Act, individuals involved in such illegal production processes face severe penalties, which can range from fines to imprisonment depending on the scale of the operation and the materials involved.
Authorities are on high alert for similar sites, with particular emphasis on monitoring known bootleggers in the area. According to an official involved in the investigation, a few notorious bootleggers are already under surveillance, and the police are committed to dismantling the supply chains that fuel illegal liquor operations. Officers have also ramped up patrolling in the jungle and surrounding areas to prevent other operations from setting up or resuming in the absence of law enforcement.
“These bootleggers are trying to exploit the remoteness of these areas, but we have our eyes on them,” commented an investigator. “We’re monitoring and taking immediate action to prevent any attempts to restart these illegal practices.”
The brewing of hooch, or unlicensed alcohol, is not only illegal but also poses a serious public health risk. In many cases, such illicit liquor is produced with toxic additives, such as methanol and other unregulated substances. These chemicals, while cheap, can be extremely dangerous. Methanol poisoning can cause severe and sometimes irreversible damage, leading to conditions such as blindness, organ failure, or even death. Despite the risks, bootleggers often resort to these toxic ingredients as a way to enhance the potency of their products cheaply. This creates a deadly situation for unsuspecting consumers, especially in poorer communities where unlicensed liquor is sometimes seen as an affordable alternative.
This latest bust underlines the persistent threat of the liquor mafia in the Mira Road-Virar area. Despite increased efforts from local law enforcement and excise officials, illegal brewing continues to be a lucrative business for some, who manage to evade the authorities by setting up in hidden, remote locations. The dense forest cover around areas like Nallasopara serves as an effective shield for illegal operations, enabling operators to set up distilleries that are difficult to detect without precise intelligence.
The crackdown by the MBVV police sends a clear message to these criminal elements that law enforcement is determined to protect public safety and enforce the law. With elections just around the corner, the police have intensified their efforts, keenly aware of the heightened risk posed by these illegal enterprises during such periods. In previous election cycles, authorities have noted an increase in such activities, as some criminal elements attempt to take advantage of the increased foot traffic and reduced oversight that sometimes occurs. This year, however, the MBVV police are not willing to let such illegalities go unchecked.
In recent months, police have coordinated with local communities, encouraging people to report suspicious activities in their areas. Authorities believe that closer community cooperation is key to controlling illegal liquor production and distribution in regions like Nallasopara, where residents sometimes inadvertently come into contact with these dangerous products.
This raid, while successful in dismantling one major operation, is only part of a larger effort that includes stricter patrolling, intelligence gathering, and community outreach. With multiple avenues being pursued, police are optimistic that they can curtail illegal alcohol production and ensure a safer environment for voters and residents alike.
The raid in Nallasopara is a testament to the commitment of local law enforcement to uphold public safety, even as bootleggers continue to adapt to evade detection. By aggressively targeting these operations, the MBVV police aim to create a lasting impact that will deter illegal brewers from risking their lives and the lives of others.
As elections approach, local residents can take some reassurance that officials are working tirelessly to remove hazards from their communities and that illegal activities are being addressed with urgency. The dismantling of this brewing site will, authorities hope, send a clear message to other would-be bootleggers: the MBVV police are vigilant, and they will not tolerate threats to public health and safety.
