Mohali Punjab India Police Arrested Two Smugglers

Operation Seal: Mohali Police Seize Truck Carrying 550 Cases of Illicit Liquor from Rajasthan, Arrest Two Smugglers

Mohali/Derabassi, May 18, 2025 —

In a major breakthrough under the ongoing statewide campaign "Drug-Free Punjab," launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, the SAS Nagar (Mohali) Police, under the supervision of Ropar Range DIG Harcharan Singh Bhullar, successfully conducted a high-intensity search operation titled "Operation Seal." As a result, a truck smuggling 550 cases of illegal liquor intended for sale in Chandigarh was intercepted at the inter-state border near Handesra in the Derabassi sub-division.

The operation marks a significant step forward in Punjab’s crackdown on narcotics and illicit liquor trade, reaffirming the police administration's commitment to eradicating this menace from society.

Special Inter-State Checkpoints Under “Operation Seal”

According to SSP Harmandeep Singh Hans of SAS Nagar, Operation Seal was executed by establishing stringent inter-state checkpoints across various locations in the district. This tactical move aimed to disrupt the supply chains of narcotics and illegal substances, especially those smuggled across state borders. These checkpoints were manned by highly trained teams of local police officials who operated with strict vigilance and discipline.

The operation was not only localized to Mohali but was part of a broader campaign covering strategic entry and exit points between Punjab and neighboring states like Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Law enforcement agencies focused on intercepting vehicles suspected of smuggling contraband goods, especially in rural and less-monitored transit corridors.

The Interception and Arrest

On Sunday, May 18, a police team stationed at the Nagla T-Point near Handesra signaled a suspicious-looking truck to stop. Upon checking, the team discovered 550 cases of English liquor clearly labeled "For Sale in Chandigarh Only," which raised immediate suspicion as such stock cannot legally be transported or sold in Punjab without proper permits.

The truck was immediately seized, and the two occupants were taken into custody. They were identified as Deda Ram, son of Kumbha Ram, resident of Bhoonia village, Tehsil Sedwa, District Barmer, Rajasthan; and Bhupa Ram, son of Juja Ram, resident of Guda Malani, Tehsil Gudha, District Barmer, Rajasthan.

Both individuals failed to produce any valid documentation permitting the transport or sale of the seized liquor, confirming the illegal nature of their activities. The arrested suspects were booked under Section 61 of the Punjab Excise Act at the Handesra Police Station, and an FIR numbered 23 dated May 18, 2025, was registered against them.

Strategic Significance of the Seizure

SSP Hans, while addressing the press, emphasized the strategic importance of the arrest and the seizure. He noted that the confiscated consignment is one of the largest illegal liquor hauls in the region in recent months and underscores the need for sustained vigilance along inter-state borders.

“This operation was carried out with precise coordination and utmost professionalism by our Derabassi police team. The seizure of 550 cases of illicit liquor intended for Chandigarh indicates the scale of illegal trade that is being thwarted through continuous efforts under Operation Seal,” he said.

Broader Context: Drug-Free Punjab Campaign

The seizure comes as part of Punjab’s aggressive campaign to eliminate drug abuse and illicit trade in substances that pose severe threats to public health and law and order. Operation Seal is one of the many components under this campaign, which focuses on enforcement, rehabilitation, and public awareness.

Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav, the Punjab Police has increased its focus on dismantling organized smuggling networks operating between Punjab and its neighboring states. These networks often use local accomplices, forged documents, and modified vehicles to avoid detection while transporting banned substances.

Officials claim that these efforts have led to a noticeable decrease in drug and liquor-related offenses in areas where rigorous enforcement is in place.

Targeting Inter-State Smuggling Networks

This latest development is not just an isolated arrest but is also part of a deeper investigation into inter-state smuggling rackets. Police sources suggest that the liquor was likely being brought into Punjab to be sold at higher margins, especially in areas with high demand for English liquor brands that are not readily available through legal channels.

SSP Hans confirmed that further investigation is underway to identify the full network involved in this smuggling operation, including potential buyers, financiers, and distributors. “We are actively pursuing leads to trace the origin of the consignment and uncover any accomplices within Punjab or Chandigarh who may be involved in the illegal trade,” he said.

The arrested individuals are currently undergoing interrogation, and more arrests are expected as the probe widens. The police are also examining CCTV footage, vehicle tracking data, and mobile phone records to map the entire route and network of the smuggling operation.

Community Involvement and Police Transparency

In an effort to promote transparency and public participation, the Punjab Police has also encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities. The SSP reiterated that anonymous tips are often crucial in uncovering hidden caches of narcotics or illegal liquor. He added that individuals providing credible information leading to significant seizures may also be eligible for rewards under the state's whistleblower protection and reward policies.

Operation Seal is thus not only a policing initiative but also a community-driven approach to safeguarding Punjab from the twin threats of addiction and organized crime.

Policy Implications and Future Action

The massive seizure has once again raised questions regarding the cross-border movement of contraband and the regulatory loopholes that allow such operations to flourish. Experts believe that there is a need for better inter-state coordination between excise departments and a centralized database of liquor shipments to track movements in real time.

In response, SSP Hans stated that recommendations have been sent to the higher authorities for implementing enhanced surveillance technologies like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), GPS-based freight monitoring, and the integration of excise and police databases.

He further reiterated the Mohali Police's unwavering commitment to cracking down on smugglers, traffickers, and organized crime syndicates operating in and around SAS Nagar. “We will continue to uphold the law with determination and maintain zero tolerance toward any activity that endangers public safety,” SSP Hans concluded.

Conclusion

The seizure of 550 cases of illegal liquor by the Mohali Police is a testament to the vigilance and preparedness of the Punjab Police under the Drug-Free Punjab mission. While the immediate impact of the operation is the disruption of one smuggling attempt, its long-term significance lies in sending a clear message to all elements involved in such activities — that law enforcement in Punjab is alert, active, and uncompromising.

The story of Operation Seal is not just one of law enforcement success but also of a broader policy initiative aimed at restoring public health, law, and order. As the state continues to battle the menace of narcotics and illegal trade, such proactive operations lay the foundation for a safer, healthier Punjab.