Excise Department Ludhiana East Range Punjab Busts Major Liquor Racket; Recovers Illicit PML Bottles in Ludhiana East

Ludhiana, August 31, 2025: The Excise Department, Punjab, has once again demonstrated its firm resolve to curb the menace of illicit liquor and illegal smuggling. Acting swiftly on specific intelligence inputs, the enforcement teams of Ludhiana East Range carried out two major raids on Saturday. 

These operations were conducted under the overall guidance of Jitendra Jorwal, Excise Commissioner, Punjab, and the direct supervision of Tarsem Chand, DCX Patiala Zone, Dr. Shivani Gupta, ACX Ludhiana East, and EOs Sh. Ashok Kumar and Amit Goyal. 

The coordinated action of Excise Inspectors, Excise Intelligence staff, and Excise Police, in collaboration with the local police, resulted in the successful detection and dismantling of a liquor refilling racket as well as seizure of illicit liquor stock.

Premium Liquor Refilling Racket Busted in Ludhiana
During the first raid, Ludhiana East Range unearthed a sophisticated racket involving the refilling of premium imported liquor bottles with low-quality IMFL and PML brands. This operation was being carried out with the intent to cheat consumers and evade state revenue. Two accused have been arrested. 106 empty liquor bottles used for refilling were recovered. 39 premium liquor bottles of well-known brands and other costly imported labels were also recovered. Besides, bottling accessories and material used for the refilling process were also recovered. A Swift Dzire was also impounded at the site. An FIR has been registered against the accused at Police Station Division No. 3, Ludhiana. Both offenders were apprehended on the spot and further investigation is underway to unearth the backward and forward linkages of this racket.  This case highlights a new modus operandi wherein unscrupulous elements attempt to pass off cheap liquor as premium imported brands, thereby endangering public health and causing revenue loss to the state exchequer.

Recovery of Illicit Liquor at Village Burma (Samrala)
In a separate raid conducted on the same day, the Excise team headed towards Village Burma under the jurisdiction of PS Samrala. Here, another accused was found in possession of illicit liquor meant for sale in Chandigarh. the recoveries are as under: 24 bottles of PML Marka Santra and 36 bottles of PML Marka Dilber Saunfia. Both brands were labelled “For Sale in Chandigarh only”, thus proving that the consignment had been illegally smuggled into Punjab.  A total 60 bottles were seized. The accused was taken into custody and a case has been registered at Police Station Samrala for further action under the relevant provisions of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914.

Department’s Commitment
The Excise Department, Punjab, has been carrying out continuous enforcement drives across the state to dismantle illegal supply chains of liquor and prevent the sale of spurious and non-duty-paid alcohol. The operations in Ludhiana East Range are part of the intensified enforcement campaign being monitored at the highest level.
The Department has reiterated that strict action will continue against bootleggers, smugglers, and those indulging in the illegal refilling and distribution of liquor. Regular raids, surprise checks, and coordinated inter-state enforcement are being undertaken in accordance with the directions of higher authorities.
The Excise Department has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity relating to illicit liquor to the nearest Excise or Police authority. It said together with community cooperation, the menace of spurious liquor and illegal trade can be eradicated.