18 July,2025 07:28 PM IST | Mumbai | Diwakar Sharma
The seized liquor in police custody following the raid. Pic/Arranged by Diwakar Sharma
In a major crackdown on the illegal liquor trade, the State Excise Department on Friday raided two flats in a building in Khar area of Mumbai and seized fake foreign liquor worth Rs 20 lakh, an official said.
The raid was conducted jointly the state excise department's O Division in Mumbai suburbs and Mumbai Police.
As many as 166 bottles of fake imported liquor were seized by the officials during the raid on July 16, the official said, adding that the seized liquor is valued at over Rs 20.33 lakh.
The raid was carried out at two flats in Sadguru Kalyan Arpa building on 13th Road, opposite Sadguru Carpet in Khar west area.
Acting on a tip-off, excise officials and Khar Police searched Flat nos. 201 and 301, where they found -- 48 bottles of 1000 ml Scotch, 38 bottles of 750 ml Scotch, 28 bottles of 700 ml Scotch and 52 bottles of 750 ml imported wine.
"The liquor was found to be counterfeit, with fake labels and packaging meant to look like top foreign brands," an official said.
Two people were arrested during the raid, while the owner was being traced, he said.
A case has been filed under the Maharashtra Prohibition Act, the official said on Friday.
Inspector Pandurang R. Tapde, who led the operation, said, "This seizure sends a strong message to those running illegal liquor rackets. We will continue to act strictly against such crimes."
The raid was conducted under the supervision of top excise officials including Commissioner Rajesh Deshmukh, Director of Vigilance Prasad Surve, and Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Pawar. Khar Police and excise sub-inspectors and staff also supported the operation, said the official.
Officials believe the liquor may be part of a larger smuggling network in Mumbai. Counterfeit alcohol is often made by refilling branded bottles with low-cost liquor and harmful additives, posing serious health risks.
Inspector Tapde advised people to buy liquor only from authorised shops and always check for the Maharashtra excise stamp and barcode to confirm it is genuine.
The investigation is ongoing in the matter.
