As cops go for recess,time is money for bootleggers

With the city police cracking the whip on bootleggers to ensure liquor-free New Year parties,the suppliers have adopted novel ways.

With the city police cracking the whip on bootleggers to ensure liquor-free New Year parties,the suppliers have adopted novel ways. They have started operating when policemen have recess time.

For last three days,Crime Branch has intensified patrolling in view of the New Year. However,I do business from 7 am to 10 am,1 pm to 3 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm. Policemen take breaks during these hours and thus I get windows to run my shop, a bootlegger told The Indian Express requesting anonymity.

He said he started the practice early this week and would continue till the first two days of the new year.

Another bootlegger said police had become strict with him and he was forced to reduce his business hours. I supply liquor between 7 pm and 10 pm only. During this period,policemen change shifts and also go for dinner. So I get time to do the business, he said.

Yet another bootlegger said he had stopped selling liquor from his customary place. Due to December 31,I only take orders from customers and deliver goods at their place, he said.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) D J Patel said they had started a drive against bootleggers gangs early this week. Our special teams have been patrolling and raiding certain areas in the city. The teams are also ready to crack down on liquor parties on New Year, Patel said.

Meanwhile,a few bootleggers dealing in country-made liquor said they had temporarily closed down their breweries in the Vishwamitri riverbed.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram