An investigation by Gurugram Police has uncovered a well-organised liquor smuggling racket in which imported alcohol officially meant for government customs warehouses was illegally diverted to retail liquor vends across the city.
The racket, involving forged documents, complicit transporters, and alleged international links, has raised serious concerns about regulatory lapses and revenue loss to the exchequer.
The case came to light after a consignment of nearly 4,000 cartons of imported liquor, valued at over ₹10 crore, was traced from a government-owned customs warehouse at ICD Garhi Harsaru to a private liquor vend in Gurugram. Official records indicated that the consignment was destined for a bonded warehouse; however, instead of reaching its authorised destination, the liquor was allegedly siphoned off mid-transit and supplied to retail outlets.
Fake Documentation and Warehouse Diversions
According to investigators, the liquor was dispatched from the customs facility using fabricated transport documents, enabling the consignment to bypass excise checks and reach the retail market. Police believe similar diversions may have occurred earlier, with warehouses in Delhi, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad also suspected of being part of the larger network.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case stated that the modus operandi involved misusing government customs infrastructure to facilitate illegal trade, thereby evading taxes and excise duties. Officials are examining whether customs personnel, warehouse operators, or excise officials assisted the operation either directly or through negligence.
Arrests Made, Kingpins Absconding
The driver of the vehicle transporting the diverted liquor was arrested earlier this week. During questioning, the driver allegedly revealed that the operation was coordinated by individuals who remain at large. Police sources claim that the main masterminds have fled the country, with several reportedly holding foreign citizenships or permanent residency in countries such as Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Authorities fear that the accused may be deliberately exploiting overseas citizenship or long-term visas to avoid arrest and extradition. Passports and travel records of suspected individuals are being scrutinised to prevent further escapes.
Retailers Under Scanner
The liquor vend where the consignment was recovered is also under investigation. Police suspect that the shop manager and co-owner were aware of the illicit origin of the liquor and knowingly sold it to consumers. While arrests have been made at the operational level, investigators believe the wider syndicate spans multiple cities and involves repeat diversions over the past several years.
Officials estimate that the illegal supply chain may have caused substantial losses to government revenue, particularly due to unpaid customs duty, excise duty, and GST.
Excise Violations and Pricing Irregularities
In a parallel development, several liquor vends in Gurugram are facing scrutiny for selling imported liquor below the minimum retail price (MRP), in violation of Haryana excise policy. Complaints submitted to the excise department
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