A shocking incident has come to light from Pavi Jetpur, where bootleggers have started using ambulances—vehicles meant to save lives—to transport illegal liquor. The police successfully intercepted a large consignment of foreign liquor being trafficked under the guise of emergency health services. Pavi Jetpur Police received a specific tip-off that an ambulance (registration number GJ 06 Y 0102) was being used to transport a huge quantity of foreign liquor. Based on this information, the police set up strict checking near Shihod Janta Crossroads. Around 9 AM, officers spotted the Maruti van modified as an ambulance, exactly as described in the tip. The police signaled the driver to stop. However, the moment the driver noticed the police, he sped away at high speed. Before officers could close in, he managed to escape from the spot, abandoning the vehicle behind. After the driver fled, the Pavi Jetpur Police immediately searched the private ambulance. In the inspection, they discovered a shocking setup—under the sheet where a patient is usually laid, 928 bottles of foreign liquor were secretly hidden and neatly arranged. The police seized the entire consignment, which carries an estimated market value of ₹2,64,480. Along with the liquor and the ambulance itself, the total seizure is valued at around ₹5,14,480. Legal procedures have already been initiated. One of the most disturbing revelations in the case is the appearance of the ambulance. To escape police suspicion, the vehicle had “Gujarat Government” written in bold English letters on the front windshield and “108” written prominently on the side and rear windows. The ambulance lacked even a single medical instrument, stretcher equipment, siren mechanism, or emergency support system—making it clear that it was purpose-built solely for the illegal transportation of liquor. The police believe the vehicle had been fully modified for smuggling activities. This incident highlights how creatively and boldly bootleggers are attempting to bypass the law in Gujarat, a dry state. The police have now launched an intensive investigation to locate the absconding driver and identify the main operators behind this smuggling network. Teams are tracking leads, analysing call records, and checking previous similar cases to establish deeper connections. Notably, this is not the first major liquor seizure in the region. On 15 November, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Chhota Udepur district had intercepted a cement tanker near the Pavi Jetpur railway culvert and seized foreign liquor worth ₹2.50 crore. That case too involved a creatively modified vehicle designed specifically for smuggling. With repeated cases emerging, authorities believe that smuggling gangs are becoming more organised and more sophisticated in their methods. Police officials have assured that surveillance, checking, and highway monitoring will now be intensified to curb such illegal activities. The seizure of this fake ‘108 Gujarat Government’ ambulance is being seen as a major breakthrough in dismantling an active liquor smuggling route in the region. The investigation continues, and further arrests
Ambulance Used as Liquor Carrier Busted in Gujarat
