Hyderabad Excise STF Dismantles Inter-State Alcohol Smuggling Ring Near Airport

Law Enforcement Intercepts Contraband Near Shamshabad

In a targeted crackdown near the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the Excise Special Task Force (STF) dismantled an inter-state operation involving non-duty-paid liquor. Early on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, tactical teams established checkpoints near Pahadishareef, leading to the discovery of 98 bottles of illicit alcohol. Officials estimate the total market value of the seized goods at approximately ₹2 lakh.

The Goa-to-Telangana Trajectory

Investigative findings indicate that the prime suspects, Kuntimalli Srinivas and P.V.V.S. Ramakrishna from Ibrahimpatnam, managed a recurring supply chain originating in Goa. The duo allegedly utilized routine weekend excursions to coastal casinos as a cover for their logistics. After acquiring the stock, they transported the bottles back to Telangana via air travel to bypass traditional border checks. The investigation revealed specific methods of distribution:

• Srinivas operated a grocery store where he allegedly offered the smuggled alcohol to a regular clientele.
• The suspects targeted organizers of private events and individual buyers looking for premium brands at lower price points.
• A personal vehicle, now confiscated, served as the primary transport for city-wide deliveries.

Enforcement Action and Evidence Seizure

The dawn operation resulted in the recovery of 42 bottles from the suspects’ vehicle alone. Subsequent searches of other vehicles in the immediate area yielded another 56 bottles. Following the physical seizure, the STF transferred all evidence and the impounded car to the Shamshabad Excise Station for formal processing. Legal proceedings are currently underway as authorities dig deeper into potential secondary distribution networks linked to the two men.

Source: The Hindu — Cities