Social media fuels the sale of fake liquor across Gurugram.


Despite efforts by the excise department and the local police to crack down on the illegal sale of liquor, bootleggers in Gurugram are profiting from the Diwali festive season by selling adulterated liquor online. Excise officials said vendors are using social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook to promote “special” deals on liquor at heavily discounted prices. Imported foreign wines such as Glenfiddich 15, Glenmorangie 15, and Chivas Regal 18, which typically retail for approx. 6,000 more 5,000 is being offered. 4,000 more 3,000 respectively, he added.

(Representative photo) Bootleggers are taking advantage of the convenience and anonymity of social media to create groups and profiles that blend in with legitimate online activities, Excise Department officials said (HT Archive).
(Representative photo) Bootleggers are taking advantage of the convenience and anonymity of social media to create groups and profiles that blend in with legitimate online activities, Excise Department officials said (HT Archive).

Due to the convenience of online ordering and heavy discounts, unsuspecting consumers are lured into buying from these unauthorized vendors, only to get substandard or counterfeit products, Excise officials said. Officials said. “Illicitly supplied liquor is often adulterated, posing a serious threat to health and life. In many cases, consumers are duped into buying substandard products,” Jitendra Dodi, Deputy Excise and Taxation Commissioner (Gurugram West) added. He urged consumers to resist these tempting offers and advised them to buy liquor only from licensed vendors to ensure authenticity.

The rise of social media bootlegging

Bootleggers are taking advantage of the convenience and anonymity of social media to create groups and profiles that blend in with legitimate online activities. Advertisements appear regularly, promoting door-to-door delivery and discounts for bulk orders. Excise officials said the transactions are often disguised as “gift packages” to avoid suspicion and evade authorities..

“While we have increased monitoring and removed multiple accounts, new ones continue to appear. Bootleggers are becoming more tech-savvy, using social media to circumvent traditional control mechanisms. Dodi said. He said the excise department has collaborated with law enforcement agencies to proactively monitor these digital channels, although the scale and anonymity of social media make full control challenging.

In response to the crackdown, bootleggers argue that they are simply catering to consumer demand and operating at high alcohol prices. A supplier working through a WhatsApp group said on condition of anonymity, “We source our stock directly from warehouses, which enables us to keep costs low and sell at attractive rates. Yes. , we earn a small margin, but the volume of orders keeps our business profitable.” Another bootlegger said, “With official stores selling liquor at such high prices, we are providing a service to people who want premium brands without markup. We are not doing anything wrong. We Just ignoring the big retailers.

Crackdowns and Challenges

To combat illegal trade, excise authorities have stepped up surveillance efforts, especially ahead of Diwali. These include establishing checkpoints, conducting unannounced inspections at distribution centers, and closely monitoring online activity. Several arrests have already been made, with authorities seizing liquor and vehicles used in transport, officials said.

In addition to legal action, officials are working with social media companies to remove flagged accounts and posts. Authorities are also encouraging citizens to report suspicious online alcohol sales, although the temporary nature of these accounts makes it difficult to identify bootleggers.

“With Diwali approaching, we are intensifying our efforts to tackle illegal liquor trade through check points and inspections, which has resulted in several arrests and seizures of illicit liquor. Several arrests have already been made. mill, and the authorities have seized the liquor and vehicles involved in its transportation. Maghrib) said.

The excise department has issued at least eight notices to local liquor vendors and “ahats” (bars attached to liquor shops), enforcing strict compliance measures to curb unauthorized sales. Dudi acknowledged that public vigilance is critical, saying, “Ultimately, the success of these initiatives depends on consumers making informed choices. Discounted prices may be attractive, but risks to health and life outweigh any savings.” There are more.

Health and safety concerns

Bootlegged alcohol, which is often laced with harmful chemicals or mixed with inferior spirits, poses serious health risks, experts have warned. Dodi said cases of poisoning and deaths from drinking adulterated liquor have been reported, yet many consumers are lured by the low prices, unaware of the dangers.

Excise authorities have issued several advisories urging the public to avoid buying alcohol online from unauthorized sources. “We advise people to buy alcohol only from licensed vendors. Adulterated alcohol sold illegally is a health hazard, and in the end, people are paying for short-term savings with their safety.” ,'' he added.

Dr. Sanjay Guja, program director at Narayana Hospital, warned that bootleg alcohol poses serious health risks due to toxic chemicals like methanol, which can cause significant organ damage and even death.

“Bottled alcohol is a serious health hazard and can cause serious organ damage, especially the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Even small amounts can cause poisoning or death.

Meanwhile, Dr Charu Dutt Arora, consultant physician at Asian Hospital, said bottles of liquor can lead to poisoning and irreversible health problems. The most common pollutant is methanol, which can cause blindness, brain problems, neurological problems, seizures and even respiratory problems. I know cheap prices can attract many people, but this should never outweigh the risk of irreversible damage to the human body.”

Leave a Comment

“The Untold Story: Yung Miami’s Response to Jimmy Butler’s Advances During an NBA Playoff Game” “Unveiling the Secrets: 15 Astonishing Facts About the PGA Championship”