Patiala, April 20 -- Cracking down on the illicit liquor trade, the Patiala excise department has unearthed three separate criminal networks involved in the adulteration, counterfeiting and inter-state smuggling of liquor.

Officials said on Sunday that a coordinated, intelligence-led operation led to the registration of three FIRs, three arrests, and the seizure of hundreds of bottles of counterfeit, spurious and smuggled liquor since April 1.

In the most recent action, a tip-off led the excise and police teams to House Number 2060/5/B in Lehal Colony on Friday. Here, two men were caught red-handed refilling empty bottles of premium Scotch whisky brands - Johnnie Walker Black Label, Black Dog Gold Reserve and 100 Pipers - with cheaper W...