Men held for 'illegal' sale of imported liquor
The police have arrested a man for his alleged involvement in purchasing imported liquor from the customs department to sell it in Haryana.
The police have arrested a man for his alleged involvement in purchasing imported liquor from the customs department to sell it in Haryana. He is believed to be a part of a gang that used to purchase imported liquor from the customs department and sell it in Haryana, as the excise duty in the neighbouring state is 0%, but later used to send them to Tamil Nadu, where excise duty is 60%.
The Crime Branch of Delhi Police arrested one Upendra who was selling 29 packets of imported liquor such as Jacobs Creek, Chardonnay Vintage, Absolut Vodka — Country of Sweden, Bombay Saphire dry gin and Distilled London.
"We had the information that imported liquor is being couriered to Chennai. We have arrested one Upendra, but there are other member of the gang who are running the racket and are absconding," said a crime branch officer, requesting anonymity.
Police sources said the gang used to purchase liquor on 0% excise duty by posing as licensee of Haryana and later used to sell them on much higher rate in states where excise duty is high.
"If a bottle costs Rs 1,600, then the liquor shop vendor has to pay only VAT and transport fees if he is buying it to sell in Haryana. The bottle will cost around Rs 1,800 in Haryana. However, the same bottle will cost Rs 2,500 in Chennai. The gang was selling liquor meant for Haryana in other states and earning Rs 600 per bottle."
Police have ruled out the role of custom officers in the matter. "From Okhla a liquor shop owner can purchase liquor bottles in bulk by doing necessary paper works. We are also suspecting some link in Chennai and other states." A team of excise department officials was also present with the crime branch team, led by sub-inspector Amit Tmar during a raid at Sun Cargo Limited near Filmistan.