Liquor scam exposed in Ludhiana, premium scotch bottles refilled with cheap liquor

Ludhiana: Authorities have uncovered a large-scale liquor scam in Ludhiana, where premium scotch bottles were being refilled with cheaper brands and sold at high prices. A team led by officials from the Ludhiana East Range, including Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Pratap, Excise Commissioner Varun Ruzam, and Deputy Commissioner Excise Patiala Zone Tarsem Chand, seized a massive consignment of illicit liquor.

Acting on intelligence, excise officers and police, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Excise Shivani Gupta, raided locations in Jaspal Bangar, Lohara, and Kanganwal. Authorities recovered large quantities of empty bottles of premium brands such as Chivas Regal, Glenlivet, Dewar’s, Jim Beam, 100 Pipers, and Johnnie Walker Black Label. These bottles were being refilled with low-quality liquor and sold to unsuspecting buyers.

Officials also discovered bottle caps, labels, and a stockpile of cheaper liquor used for the operation. Investigators believe the scam is part of a larger network designed to deceive consumers and evade excise duties.

“This is not just an illegal liquor smuggling case, but a well-organized scam where counterfeit scotch was being sold at premium rates,” a senior excise official said. “We are examining the entire supply chain and will take strict action against those involved.”

Authorities have launched a deeper investigation to identify key figures behind the racket. They have urged the public to buy liquor only from authorized vendors and report any suspicious activity related to counterfeit alcohol.