Navsari turned into a scene straight out of an action thriller late Thursday night when police mounted a high-intensity chase to stop a Creta allegedly ferrying a massive cache of Indian-made foreign liquor. What began as a routine intelligence alert quickly escalated into a dangerous pursuit that spanned two state highways and left several vehicles damaged.

Local Crime Branch officers had received a tip-off that a white Creta was moving from Selvas towards Rankuva through Dharampur and Rumla and was carrying a large consignment of whisky and rum. Anticipating its route, an LCB team led by Head Constable Ganeshbhai and Constable Kiranbhai created a blockade on State Highway 177 near the Rankuva outpost using trucks and private vehicles.

But as the Creta approached the barricade, the driver allegedly accelerated instead of slowing down. According to police, the vehicle swerved towards nearby pedestrians before smashing into an Eco car and a parked truck in a desperate attempt to break through. Despite the impact, the driver forced his way past the blockade and sped off, pushing officers into a chase on State Highway 15 toward Manekpore.

The pursuit continued for several kilometres until the driver abandoned the Creta on an isolated stretch and escaped on foot into the darkness before police could corner him.

When officers inspected the vehicle, they discovered 1,488 liquor bottles neatly packed inside — a consignment worth ₹4.69 lakh. Combined with the value of the Creta, the total seizure came to ₹12.69 lakh. Police confirmed that the vehicle appeared to be part of an organised bootlegging route.

The Local Crime Branch later handed over the case to Chikhli Police Station, where an FIR has been filed under prohibition and accident-related sections. Investigators are now working to identify the driver and the wider network involved — from the individuals who loaded the liquor to those financing its illegal transportation.