The Maharashtra State Excise Department has seized duplicate liquor worth Rs 1 crore in the past one week. Officers said the liquor was being smuggled for Christmas and New Year parties.

In view of the celebrations on Christmas and December 31, State Excise Department Commissioner Kantilal Umap ordered action against any smuggler. The officers arrested one Sanjay Bhojaiya from Chembur on December 16 and seized 17 bottles of scotch. During questioning, the name of one Mandar Pingale came up and the officers seized another 348 bottles of scotch from him. The cost of one duplicated scotch is Rs 22,04,192.