Patna, May 2 (IANS) Despite a decade-long prohibition in Bihar, illegal liquor smuggling continues to pose a serious challenge.
In a fresh crackdown, police in East Champaran have seized a large quantity of spirit and a vehicle allegedly being used for manufacturing illicit liquor.
The action took place under the Mehsi police station limits during a routine vehicle inspection drive.
Police intercepted a Bolero vehicle and, upon searching it, recovered approximately 200 litres of spirit stored in around 10 buckets and plastic containers.
Officials suspect that the consignment was intended for use in the production of illegal liquor.
The seized vehicle has been taken into custody, and the individuals present at the scene are currently being interrogated.
Police believe that the operation may be linked to a broader, organised network involved in the manufacturing and supply of illicit liquor in the region.
The crackdown comes in the wake of recent deaths caused by spurious liquor consumption in East Champaran, which has put the administration on high alert.
Over 15 people lost their lives in the hooch tragedy that occurred in the first week of April this year.
Following the incident, police have intensified raids, surveillance, and vehicle-checking operations across the district to curb illegal activities.
Swarn Prabhat, the Superintendent of Police of East Champaran, has issued strict instructions to all Station House Officers, emphasising a zero-tolerance approach towards violations of the liquor prohibition law.
He has directed them to conduct continuous vehicle-checking drives, conduct regular raids on suspected locations, and strictly monitor suspicious activities.
He warned that any negligence in enforcing prohibition laws will not be tolerated.
Police officials have stated that such operations will be further intensified in the coming days to dismantle illegal liquor networks and prevent tragedies linked to spurious liquor.
Even after 10 years of prohibition, the persistence of the illegal liquor trade highlights ongoing enforcement challenges.
Authorities are now focusing on stricter monitoring and coordinated action to ensure public safety.
