Pune: In a recent operation, the State Excise Department uncovered a case of adulterated Scotch whiskey being sold in Pune.

The department's team seized 24 bottles of fake Scotch and arrested Dhanji Jetha Patel, the individual responsible for trafficking the illicit liquor.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Excise Superintendent Charansingh Rajput and Deputy Superintendent Sujit Patil.

As part of routine surveillance during the New Year and Christmas holidays, the department had been focusing on the sale of adulterated alcohol and the smuggling of liquor from other states.

The team received a tip-off about a vehicle transporting adulterated Scotch on the Chinchwad-Pimpri Link Road, and they set up a trap.

When they spotted a rickshaw near the Eagle Garden Society, they stopped the vehicle and discovered 24 bottles of fake Scotch inside.

Upon arrest, Dhanji Patel admitted to bringing the counterfeit liquor bottles from the Marunji area. The Excise Department is now investigating further to identify any other individuals involved in the illicit trade.

Recently, the Pune Regional Flying Squad of the State Excise Department seized foreign liquor valued at ₹76.55 lakhs in Mulshi taluka, near Adarwadi village on the Paud-Mangaon road.

The seized contraband included 33,600 bottles, each with a capacity of 180 ml, (total 700 boxes) of Poland Pride Premium Collection Reserve Whisky, a brand manufactured in Goa and permitted for sale exclusively within that state.