LIQUOR SMUGGLERS UNDETERRED

LIQUOR SMUGGLERS UNDETERRED

6-SEP-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------Despite the total ban on alcohol in Bihar, liquor smugglers remain undeterred. However, the vigilance of the Buxar police and the Excise Department has foiled a major smuggling plot. At the Veer Kunwar Singh check-post on the Uttar Pradesh-Bihar border, police seized a large quantity of liquor worth approximately ₹34.5 lakh from two separate trucks.

The seizures occurred during a campaign to strictly enforce the prohibition policy through routine vehicle checks. Yesterday evening, a truck loaded with sofas was intercepted; 266 bottles of premium brands—such as Red Label, Blender's Pride, and Magic Moments—were discovered hidden within a concealed compartment in the bed frame. Additionally, during a check this morning, 298 cartons of liquor were seized from a container truck, where the alcohol had been concealed amidst cartons of wood shavings. One arrest was made in connection with each incident, and further investigations are underway. The estimated value of the liquor seized from both trucks is around ₹34 lakh.

The seizures took place at the Veer Kunwar Singh check-post on the upper level of the Ganga Setu bridge. The driver involved in the first incident is a resident of Samastipur, and the delivery was intended for Samastipur. Investigation into the second incident—involving the seizure made today—is ongoing; details regarding the intended destination will be revealed once the inquiry concludes.

The liquor seized yesterday was manufactured in Haryana, while the consignment seized today was manufactured in Chandigarh.

The truck intercepted yesterday evening was destined for Samastipur. Regarding the second truck, the investigation is currently underway to determine the intended destination of the liquor.

Liquor smugglers had employed highly cunning methods in an attempt to hoodwink the police. A consignment of liquor was being transported into Bihar, concealed within furniture loaded onto trucks, to avoid suspicion and ensure the large shipment reached its destination easily. However, the police team stationed at the check post found the movement of the trucks suspicious.

Upon a thorough search of both vehicles, the police were astonished to discover the large cache of liquor hidden inside the furniture. During the operation, the drivers of both trucks—alleged liquor smugglers—were arrested, and the trucks were seized. The police are not limiting their efforts to the seized liquor and the arrested smugglers; they are now working to piece together the entire case. Investigating agencies are trying to determine at whose behest this massive consignment was sent to Bihar, identify the true kingpin, and uncover the major network operating behind these smugglers.

It is noteworthy that despite the enforcement of prohibition laws in Bihar, cases of liquor smuggling from other states continue to surface. This significant seizure has once again raised questions regarding organized liquor smuggling networks. Police investigations are now focused on identifying the individuals behind this concealed liquor shipment and determining its intended final destination.