Daltonganj Police Nab Two in Elaborate Liquor Smuggling Operation
In a significant crackdown on illicit liquor trade, police in Daltonganj district have arrested two individuals for attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of foreign liquor into Bihar. The operation unfolded on Friday when authorities intercepted a suspicious vehicle and uncovered an elaborate concealment scheme.
Concealed Consignment Intercepted During Inspection
According to police officials, the liquor consignment was ingeniously hidden within 150 cartons labeled as packaged drinking water. The arrested individuals, identified as Surender (41) and Saroj (32), both residents of Ranchi district, were transporting the contraband in a pickup van destined for Aurangabad district in Bihar.
DSP in-charge Rajeev Ranjan provided details of the interception, stating, "The van was stopped at Bahlolwa under the jurisdiction of Sadar police station. During our routine inspection drive, the duo attempted to convince our team that the boxes contained only packaged water. However, upon thorough search, we discovered the concealed liquor."
Substantial Quantity and Value of Seized Liquor
The police seizure revealed:
- Total liquor volume: 1,342 litres
- Estimated market value: Approximately Rs 15 lakh
- Concealment method: 150 carton boxes of foreign liquor disguised as drinking water
Ranjan emphasized the significance of the bust, noting that such elaborate concealment methods indicate sophisticated smuggling operations attempting to bypass Bihar's strict liquor regulations.
Judicial Proceedings Initiated Against Accused
Following their arrest, both Surender and Saroj were presented before judicial authorities and have been placed in judicial custody as of Friday. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to curb illegal liquor trafficking across district borders.
The incident underscores the challenges authorities face in monitoring and intercepting cleverly disguised contraband, particularly along transportation routes connecting different regions. Police officials have indicated that further investigations are underway to determine the supply chain and potential connections to larger smuggling networks.
