Patna, Sep 1 (IANS) The Prohibition Department made a major seizure in Bihar’s Banka district early Tuesday morning, recovering 10,694.800 litres of illicit foreign liquor worth approximately Rs 1.28 crore from a 16-wheeler truck at the Bhaljor check-post on the Bhagalpur-Hansdiha main road.
The liquor was allegedly being transported from Jharkhand to Bihar and had been concealed beneath sacks of paddy husk.
The truck driver was arrested, while the vehicle and a mobile phone were seized.
According to an official, the Banka Excise and Prohibition Police Station team was conducting intensive vehicle checks at the Bhaljor check-post when it received information about a large liquor consignment being transported towards Bhagalpur in a 16-wheeler truck.
Acting on the tip-off, the team increased surveillance and intercepted an Ashok Leyland 16-wheeler approaching from the Hansdiha side.
During a search of the vehicle, officials found sacks of paddy husk covering cartons of liquor.
After removing the sacks, the team recovered 1,214 cartons containing foreign liquor of various brands.
The Excise Department said the total quantity recovered was 10,694.800 litres, with an estimated value of around Rs 1.28 crore.
The liquor bottles reportedly carried the label “For Sale in Punjab Only.”
The arrested driver has been identified as Mohan Lal, 23, a resident of Narsali Nadi village under Baytu police station in Rajasthan’s Barmer district.
Officials also seized the Ashok Leyland 16-wheeler truck, which was allegedly being used to transport the liquor.
A Samsung 5G smartphone was also recovered from the driver’s possession.
According to preliminary findings, the consignment had entered Bihar from Jharkhand and was being transported towards Bhagalpur through the Bhaljor check-post. The interception by the Excise Department team prevented the consignment from being taken further into the state.
The Excise Department is now investigating the source of the liquor consignment and its intended destination. Officials are also attempting to identify other people allegedly involved in transporting and distributing the liquor.
A case has been registered at Banka Prohibition Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act.
The department said further action would be taken against anyone found to be involved in the smuggling network.
Officials have also indicated that vehicle checks and surveillance will continue along interstate routes, particularly at entry points such as Bhaljor.
–IANS
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