Thane, Nov 2 (PTI) In a crackdown ahead of Diwali, the Maharashtra Excise Department has launched a campaign against illegal liquor smuggling and counterfeit alcohol, seizing contraband worth over Rs 6.35 crore over the last seven months, officials said on Monday.
The drive aims to curb illicit trafficking and the manufacture of spurious liquor, which typically sees a spike during the festive season, they said.
In October 2026 alone, the department registered seven cases against fake liquor, tax-evaded liquor from other states, and counterfeit foreign Scotch, arresting 10 accused and seizing property worth approximately Rs 85 lakh, Thane division superintendent Pravin Tambe said.
Flying squads have been deployed to crack down against suspected operators and prevent fraud or health hazards, he said, appealing to citizens not to purchase cheap liquor from unauthorised or suspicious outlets. PTI COR ARU
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