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.

–IANS

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