Hyderabad: In a targeted crackdown on illegal liquor distribution, the Prohibition and Excise Department on Saturday, June 7, seized 115 bottles of non-duty-paid liquor during a raid conducted at Hafeezpet in the Serilingampally area. Based on credible intelligence, officials intercepted a car that was transporting the illicit consignment, which contained premium brands of foreign liquor. Two suspects were detained on the spot, and the consignment was confiscated.
According to authorities, the accused had sourced the liquor at subsidized rates from defence canteens meant exclusively for military personnel. They were allegedly reselling the bottles to civilian customers in Hyderabad at significantly higher prices, thereby violating state excise norms. The operation not only circumvented taxation but also posed a serious threat to regulated alcohol sales within Telangana. Officials believe the arrested individuals were part of a wider distribution network exploiting defence canteen privileges for profit.
A formal case has been registered under relevant sections of the Excise Act, and investigations are underway to trace the full scope of the supply chain. Authorities are also looking into how the suspects gained access to the canteens and whether more individuals, including insiders, may be involved. The Excise Department has reiterated its commitment to curbing illegal liquor sales and emphasized stricter surveillance in hotspots prone to such violations across the city.
