Hyderabad: The Excise Department busted an illegal wine manufacturing unit in Malkajgiri and arrested a man who allegedly produced and sold wine without a licence for nearly a year. Officials seized 377.7 litres of wine valued at around ₹1.5 lakh during the operation.
The accused, identified as Antony Peter, allegedly operated the unit from an unauthorised facility. Meanwhile, he supplied wine to customers in Neredmet, Secunderabad and Kapra.
Illegal wine manufacturing unit operated for nearly a year
According to Excise officials, Antony Peter learnt the wine-making process through YouTube videos before starting the business as a source of self-employment. He allegedly produced seven varieties of wine using grapes, pineapple, guava, sweet lime, sapota, banana and betel leaves.
Officials said he fermented the fruits with sugar and wheat for 15 days before filtering and bottling the wine. Further, he allegedly sold each 750 ml bottle for ₹300.
Acting on a tip-off, the Malkajgiri District Task Force raided the premises. Additionally, officials seized 377.7 litres of wine, 502 bottles and equipment used for manufacturing.
The Excise Department handed over the accused and the seized material to the Kapra Excise Station for further investigation.