Filed By BHARATH AB
BENGALURU:
Defying the ongoing lockdown, some foolhardy citizens are risking their lives by roaming around looking for bootlegged liquor, even if they have to pay through their nose.
Bootleggers claim the police are being too ‘strict’ and sourcing liquor illegally has become a big challenge.
According to our sources, the black market price of a 180 ml bottle of liquor brands like OT, Haywards, OC, Silver Cup (MRPs ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 80) has shot up to Rs. 300-400. Mid-range brands costing Rs. 450-600 for a 180 ml bottle are being sold from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,400. As profit margins are more for bottles with MRPs of Rs 60-Rs100, bootleggers have stocked up on these lesser-priced bottles.
For some, the closure of liquor shops and the extremely high prices in the black market have led to a period of forced abstinence. Others who find their tipple too expensive have turned to marijuana, which is being sold at Rs 3,500 for 25 grams (double the ‘normal’ price).
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