Illicit liquor confiscated in raids, two arrested, 2 vehicles impounded
In continuation of a drive for curbing illegal activities involved in the liquor trade, a raid was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner (Excise), Patiala Zone, Tarsem Chand, leading to the confiscation of a substantial quantity of illicit liquor. During the operation, a diverse range of liquor consignments were seized and two persons were arrested. A significant portion of the stock was found to be in violation of the regulatory norms — either entirely lacking the mandatory track-and-trace compliance or bearing inconsistent or fraudulent identifiers.
These violations represent a critical breach of the Excise Department’s regulatory framework established to ensure product traceability and safeguarding public health.
The number of confiscated cases include, 30 cases of the IMFL, nine cases of beer and 162 cases of the Punjab made liquor (PML) through the track and trace system.
Besides, 31 cases were confiscated which had no track and trace system. These include nine cases of Dollar XXX Rum and 65 Degree and 22 cases of the Royal Stag, both for sale
in Punjab only.
Tarsem said: “The Patiala Zone Excise Department remains committed to upholding law and ensuring the sale of only legally compliant liquor in the market. This seizure reflects our zero-tolerance policy towards the illicit trade and dedication to consumer safety.”
Legal proceedings have been initiated against individuals involved in the case. Further investigation is underway to trace the origin and intended distribution network of the confiscated consignments.
The Excise Department urges citizens and stakeholders to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Public cooperation remains vital in combating the menace of the illicit liquor trade.
The operation was executed with the active involvement of senior officials Shivani Gupta, Amit Goyal and Ashok Kumar (excise officer), along with excise inspectors Navneesh Aery, Navdeep Singh, Major Singh and Adarsh. Their coordinated efforts were instrumental in the success of the high-impact enforcement drive.
Meanwhile, in another raid under the supervision of Shivani Gupta, ACX (Ludhiana East), and EOs Ashok Kumar and Amit Goyal, after getting intelligence inputs, a raid was conducted. Two suspects, including Satish Kumar and Satinder Singh, were arrested and two vehicles impounded and an FIR registered at the Sahnewal police station.
The bottles and cases recovered include 171 PML cases, 52 IMFL cases, nine beer cases. The seized liquor was supposed to be sold in Punjab. QR codes were not attached on 31 cases and were present only on 201 cases. Challans have been issued in this regard.
Ludhiana