Gujarat Cracks Down on Liquor Smuggling Before New Year; Prices Soar

• Gujarat police intensify strictness on illegal liquor smuggling across the state ahead of December 31 New Year celebrations.
• Vigilance increased in major cities like Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, and at state borders, including Union Territories.
• Continuous police action has led to a significant shortage of unpermitted liquor among smugglers.
• Prices of illegal liquor have surged dramatically; 750ml premium bottles up by 30%, some brands by 1000-2000 rupees.
• Police seized illegal liquor worth over 5 crore rupees, often smuggled hidden in trucks with other goods.

Why It Matters: Gujarat's pre-New Year liquor crackdown causes shortages and sharp price hikes for illegal alcohol.