Patna, June 2 (IANS) Despite Bihar’s prohibition law, liquor smugglers continue to employ innovative methods to transport illegal consignments into the state. However, the vigilance and technical capabilities of the Excise Department have once again foiled a major smuggling attempt.
In a significant operation conducted in Buxar, officials seized a large consignment of foreign liquor, worth approximately Rs 20.5 lakh, concealed beneath jute sacks in a goods vehicle. Two alleged smugglers were arrested during the operation.
According to an official, the seizure was made on Tuesday morning during a routine vehicle inspection drive at the Veer Kunwar Singh Check Post. Excise personnel were conducting checks on vehicles passing through the flyover when a suspicious DCM truck attracted their attention and was stopped for inspection.
The operation was led by Prohibition Inspector-in-Charge Kundan Kumar. During the initial examination, officials found the truck loaded with jute sacks, appearing to contain legitimate cargo. However, a detailed inspection using a specialised scanning device revealed suspicious irregularities within the vehicle.
Acting on the findings, the Excise team unloaded and examined the cargo more thoroughly. Beneath the jute sacks, officials discovered a large quantity of crates filled with foreign liquor carefully concealed to avoid detection during routine checks.
Officials stated that the smugglers had adopted a sophisticated concealment strategy, making it difficult to identify the illicit consignment solely through visual inspection. The use of technical screening equipment proved crucial in exposing the smuggling operation.
During interrogation, the arrested individuals disclosed that the liquor consignment had originated in Haryana and was being transported into Bihar for delivery in Bhagalpur.
The accused have been identified as Rahul Singh, a resident of Giloh village under the Sadhpur police station area in Rajasthan’s Alwar district, and Sachin Yadav, a resident of Bahora Kalan village under the Bilaspur police station area in Haryana’s Gurugram district.
Excise Superintendent Ashraf Jamal confirmed that a case has been registered against both accused under the relevant provisions of Bihar’s prohibition laws and other applicable sections. He added that further legal proceedings are underway.
Officials are also investigating the broader smuggling network behind the consignment, including the suppliers, transport facilitators, and intended recipients.
–IANS
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