Hyderabad: Quthbullapur excise officials seized nine bottles of untaxed defence liquor worth an estimated Rs 25,000 during vehicle checks near Vennelagadda Lake on Friday. The operation led to the apprehension of Immedi Naveen, 33, of Hasmathpet, Bowenpally, for allegedly transporting the liquor for sale. Excise Inspector T. Lakshman Goud said officials had registered a case and begun an investigation.
The seized stock comprised five 750 ml bottles of Black Dog and four 750 ml bottles of 100 Pipers. Together, the bottles contained 6.75 litres of defence liquor. According to the inspector, Naveen told investigators that he had purchased the stock from a defence employee near Sainikpuri. He had allegedly brought it to the area for resale.
Defence liquor seizure leads to investigation into alleged supplier
Following the seizure, excise officials began investigating the identity and role of the defence employee who allegedly supplied the liquor. The department said the stock had not been cleared of the applicable duty and was being transported without authorisation.
Meanwhile, Excise Sub-Inspector P. Uma Maheshwar and staff members Ghouse, Kishan, Ramesh, Shiva Prasad, Suresh and Vijayalakshmi took part in the operation. Inspector Lakshman Goud commended the team for its work.
The Quthbullapur Excise Station also warned residents against buying defence liquor at lower prices for functions and then reselling or transporting it. Officials pointed out that such activities were illegal, despite the presence of several military canteens in the area.
The department further cautioned that people found possessing, transporting or selling liquor in violation of the law could face legal action. Therefore, officials urged residents to report suspected violations to the relevant excise authorities.