In a significant crackdown on interstate liquor smuggling, a special police team from Jharkhand's Jamtara district executed a successful raid, leading to the seizure of a large consignment and the arrest of four individuals. The operation, which unfolded late on Sunday night, thwarted an attempt to illegally transport alcohol into the neighboring state of Bihar.
Late-Night Interception at Pandeydih More
Acting on a specific tip-off, the special team led by Jamtara Superintendent of Police Rajkumar Mehta laid a trap at Pandeydih More, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Narayanpur police station. The team strategically intercepted a West Bengal-registered truck that was travelling from Govindpur in Dhanbad district. The truck was not travelling alone; it was being escorted by two cars, a common tactic used by smuggling rings for security and reconnaissance.
Massive Haul Hidden Under Snack Packets
A thorough search of the vehicles revealed a cleverly concealed illicit cargo. Inside the truck, officials discovered 210 crates of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 78 gallons of spirit. In an attempt to avoid detection, the smuggled goods were hidden beneath packets of chips. Furthermore, the police found an additional 15 crates of IMFL in the two escort cars. The total estimated value of the seized consignment in Jharkhand is a substantial ₹15.95 lakh.
Four Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
The police swiftly apprehended all four individuals involved in the operation. Those arrested include the drivers of the truck and the two escort cars. Preliminary investigations have revealed that all the accused are residents of Dhanbad district. They have been taken into custody for questioning, as authorities work to uncover the broader network behind this smuggling attempt. The seizure highlights the ongoing challenges and active efforts by police in the Santhal Pargana region to curb the illegal liquor trade across state borders.
SP Rajkumar Mehta commended the special team for their vigilant action based on intelligence inputs. This raid underscores the continued focus of law enforcement agencies on disrupting supply chains that fuel the illegal alcohol economy, particularly in dry areas or states with different taxation policies.
