Defense Liquor and Fake Brands Flood Visakhapatnam- Excise ramps up raids as illegal alcohol trade grows

Visakhapatnam is witnessing an alarming surge in the sale of defense liquor and counterfeit foreign alcohol, prompting the Excise Department to intensify enforcement across the city. In recent weeks, several individuals have been arrested for buying defense liquor through brokers and selling it secretly for profit.

With the Eastern Naval Headquarters in the city, many defense personnel receive subsidized alcohol through departmental canteens. Reports suggest that some employees are selling their quotas at inflated prices, while brokers and other traders deal in counterfeit foreign liquor under popular brand names.

“Both the sale and purchase of defense liquor are crimes,” said a senior Excise Department official. “Many people unknowingly violate the law. Citizens should buy alcohol only from licensed shops. Fake alcohol made with harmful chemicals can be extremely dangerous.”

Authorities have stepped up surveillance and conducted multiple raids in recent weeks. On August 19, excise officials seized 108 bottles of defense liquor from a furniture shop in Gajuwaka. On August 14, 99 bottles of counterfeit foreign liquor were recovered from a house in Seethampet. Earlier raids include 67 bottles of fake liquor from different states at a Steel Plant AGM flat in MVV City, Madhurwada, and 220 bottles of defense liquor from a house in Prakash Nagar, Malkapuram, on July 7.

Residents voiced concern over the growing illegal market. “It is worrying that fake alcohol is so easily available,” said S. Ramesh, a Gajuwaka resident. Anita Rao added, “This puts lives at risk. Authorities must ensure stricter monitoring.”

A special citywide monitoring system has been established to track the sale of defense and counterfeit liquor. The ongoing investigations and arrests signal a focused crackdown, but officials caution that vigilance must continue to safeguard public safety.