Fake Liquor Network Exposed: Low-Quality Alcohol Sold in Branded Bottles

A major counterfeit liquor racket has been uncovered in Patiala, where expensive branded bottles were allegedly being refilled with low-quality alcohol and sold to unsuspecting consumers. The development follows preliminary investigations into three separate cases involving the recovery of fake and refilled liquor bottles. Senior officials indicated that the findings point towards a well-organised nexus. It is suspected that premium Scotch and single malt bottles were being used to distribute illicit liquor. According to an excise official, the accused collected empty bottles of well-known brands such as Johnnie Walker Black Label, Black Dog Gold Reserve, and 100 Pipers. These bottles were then refilled with low-grade Indian Made Foreign Liquor. “Once a sufficient quantity of empty bottles was gathered, they were filled with cheaper brands sourced from Chandigarh or any other available liquor,” the official said. The illegal operation proved profitable, as the refilled bottles were sold at weddings and social events, where detection was often unlikely. This allowed the accused to earn higher margins by passing off inferior liquor as premium products. The Patiala Excise Department has registered three FIRs in connection with the case. Several individuals have been arrested, and a large quantity of illicit, counterfeit, and smuggled liquor has been seized. The operation was carried out based on prior intelligence and coordinated efforts between multiple agencies. Recovered items include 47 bottles of Royal Challenge, 24 bottles of Punjab Mota Santra, 7 bottles of Punjab Rano Saunfi, and 8 bottles of Royal Stag. Additionally, 10 bottles of Super Himmat Saunf—liquor under Chandigarh jurisdiction—were seized, which had been illegally procured and brought into the Punjab market. An excise official warned that if such consignments had reached consumers, the consequences could have been dangerous and potentially fatal. A liquor contractor revealed that one of the accused is a repeat offender. Despite cases registered under stricter laws following previous hooch tragedies, the individual reportedly secures bail and resumes the same illegal trade. “He refills cheap and substandard alcohol into premium brand bottles, which could lead to a major tragedy any day,” the contractor said, adding that there is a need to book such offenders under charges as serious as attempt to murder due to the potential risk to human life.