Fake Liquor Racket Busted in Patiala: Premium Bottles Refilled with Cheap Alcohol

An initial investigation into three recent liquor seizures in Patiala has uncovered a well-organised racket involving fake and refilled liquor bottles. The Excise Department has registered three FIRs, arrested several accused, and seized large quantities of illegal, spurious, and smuggled liquor.

Officials revealed that the accused were collecting empty bottles of premium brands such as Johnnie Walker Black Label, Black Dog Gold Reserve, and 100 Pipers, and refilling them with low-quality Indian-made liquor. These bottles were then sold at weddings and social events, where the fraud often went unnoticed, allowing the culprits to earn hefty profits.

The operation was carried out based on detailed intelligence and coordinated efforts between agencies. Among the seized items were multiple bottles of Royal Challenge, Punjab Mota Santra, Punjab Rano Saunfi, Royal Stag, and Super Himmat Saunf—some of which had been illegally brought in from Chandigarh into Punjab.

Excise officials warned that if such liquor had reached consumers, it could have posed serious health risks. Authorities also highlighted that one of the accused is a repeat offender who continues to operate despite previous arrests, often securing bail and returning to the illegal trade.

Industry sources have urged stricter legal action, stating that selling such hazardous liquor could lead to loss of lives and should be treated as a serious criminal offence.