Inter-state Liquor Smuggling Ring Busted in Mirzapur, Rs 30 Lakh Worth Contraband Seized

द क्लिफ न्यूज़ डेस्क | शशि भूषण कंचनीय

Major Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Trade

In a significant operation against illegal liquor smuggling in the Mirzapur district, police have apprehended three inter-state smugglers from Bihar red-handed. A joint team of police and excise department officials seized 1,200 bottles of illegal English liquor from two luxury cars near the Pratapapur canal bridge. The estimated value of the seized consignment, including the vehicles, is around Rs 30 lakh.

Smuggled Consignment Intercepted

The intercepted liquor was being transported from Madhya Pradesh to Bihar. Acting on precise information received from an informant, a joint team, led by the Chunar Circle Officer and comprising Adalhat police, SOG surveillance, and the excise department, was formed. This team conducted a thorough checking campaign on the main highway.

Liquor Smuggling Network Exposed

During the checking, police stopped two suspicious four-wheeler vehicles. A search revealed 1,200 bottles of 'After Dark Blue Deluxe Grain Whisky' hidden in the luggage compartments of both vehicles. The bottles bore labels indicating sale only in Madhya Pradesh, suggesting the liquor was being smuggled from there to Bihar.

Inter-state Smugglers Apprehended

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. They have been identified as Nitish Kumar, Ashish Ranjan, and Niranjan Kumar, residents of Patna and Nalanda districts in Bihar. During preliminary interrogation, the arrested smugglers confessed to purchasing this illicit liquor consignment from Rewa in Madhya Pradesh with the intention of selling it at higher prices in Patna.

Seized Items and Further Investigation

In addition to the seized liquor, police also recovered two cars – a Swift Desire and a Toyota Etios – along with three mobile phones and Rs 850 in cash from the accused. A case has been registered against the arrested individuals under various sections of the Excise Act at the Adalhat police station.

Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Probe

After completing the legal formalities, all arrested smugglers were produced before the court, from where they have been sent to jail. The joint team responsible for the seizure and arrests included Station House Officer Rajiv Singh, Sub-Inspector Arun Kumar Yadav, Excise Inspector Manoj Kumar Rai, and Excise Inspector Saurabh Verma, among other police personnel.

Commitment to Eradicate Illegal Activities

Local police are now conducting a thorough investigation into other aspects of this entire smuggling network to completely curb such illegal activities in the future. The administration has clarified that no one involved in the illegal liquor trade will be spared.