HYDERABAD: Excise team busts illegal wine unit
HYDERABAD: A year-long illegal wine manufacturing unit operating in the Kapra area of Malkajgiri was busted by the Prohibition and Excise Department. Officials seized 377.7 litres of wine, 502 bottles and equipment used for production.
YouTube tutorials used to make seven wine varieties
According to excise officials, Anthony Peter learnt wine-making through YouTube and had been manufacturing wine for nearly a year in violation of excise rules as part of a self-employment venture after retirement.
Acting on a tip-off, the District Task Force team led by CI Bharat Kumar and SI Srinivas Reddy raided the premises and uncovered the operation.
Officials said Anthony Peter was producing seven varieties of wine under the names Grapes, Pineapple, Guava, Mosambi, Sapota, Banana and Betel Leaf. The wine was sold in 750 ml bottles for ₹300 each.
The accused allegedly fermented fruits naturally for 15 days before adding sugar and wheat, filtering the mixture and selling it as wine. Officials said the fermentation process generated alcohol along with fruit extract.
Wine supplied to Neredmet, Secunderabad and Kapra
During the inquiry, officials found that the wine was being supplied to Neredmet, Secunderabad and Kapra.
The excise team seized 377.7 litres of wine and 502 bottles. The value of the seized stock has been estimated at around ₹1.50 lakh.
The accused and the seized material were handed over to the Kapra Excise Station for further legal action.
Malkajgiri Deputy Commissioner Pranavi and Excise Superintendent B. Hanumantha Rao appreciated the District Task Force team for exposing the illegal operation.
