Agra Police Crack Down on Interstate Liquor Smuggling Network
In a significant crackdown on illegal alcohol trade, Agra Police have arrested three individuals and confiscated more than 950 cartons of illicit liquor valued at approximately Rs 85 lakh. The operations, conducted on Sunday, exposed a sophisticated interstate smuggling ring targeting Bihar, where prohibition laws create a lucrative black market.
First Operation: Truck Intercepted with Concealed Liquor
In the initial raid, police from the Etmadpur area intercepted a truck near Kuberpur. Upon inspection, they discovered 606 cartons of liquor hidden inside a specially modified generator box within the vehicle. The seized consignment included 3,672 full bottles, 4,824 half bottles, and 4,752 quarter bottles of various brands, with an estimated worth of Rs 60-62 lakh.
Two men from Punjab, identified as Jagtar Singh and Sukhpal Singh, were apprehended at the scene, and the truck was impounded. DCP (west) Aditya provided details, stating, "During interrogation, the accused revealed that the liquor was loaded in Bathinda and destined for Patna, where prohibition laws make illegal liquor trade highly profitable. To evade checks, the smugglers concealed the alcohol inside the generator and covered the vehicle with a tarpaulin."
Second Operation: Canter Vehicle Seized with Beer and Liquor
In a separate action, a team from the Trans Yamuna police station arrested Mularam, a resident of Rajasthan, and seized a canter vehicle transporting 350 cartons of liquor and beer. The recovered items comprised 50 cartons of liquor and 300 cartons of beer, with a total value of around Rs 25 lakh.
ADCP Akshay Mahadik commented on the operation, noting, "The liquor was also sourced from Punjab and intended for illegal supply in Bihar. Several other members of the interstate gang, including Sattar, Abid, and Rahul, have been identified and are currently absconding."
Legal Actions and Ongoing Investigations
Cases have been registered under sections 60(1), 63, and 72 of the Excise Act at both the Etmadpur and Trans Yamuna police stations. Authorities are actively pursuing leads to track down and arrest the remaining members of the smuggling network. The operations highlight the persistent challenges of enforcing liquor laws across state borders and the innovative methods employed by criminals to bypass security checks.
This bust underscores Agra Police's commitment to curbing illegal activities and protecting public safety. The seized alcohol has been secured as evidence, and further investigations are expected to reveal more about the network's operations and connections.
