Patna: Bihar’s ongoing crackdown on illegal alcohol has led to the seizure of over 16,00,000 litres of liquor between January and June 2025, according to state police authorities. This includes more than 8,00,000 litres of foreign liquor, with an estimated market value exceeding Rs 74 crore. Officials reported a 12% rise in seizures compared to the same period last year.
The ban on liquor in Bihar, enforced since 2016, continues to be a central pillar of the state’s governance. Speaking about the latest figures, Additional Director General of Police Amit Kumar Jain, who leads the Prohibition Division, stated that the increase in seizures reflects improved enforcement strategies and a focus on intercepting foreign liquor.
In addition to in-state operations, the prohibition department has conducted 17 major raids in neighbouring states, including Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, resulting in the identification of 305 individuals allegedly involved in cross-border smuggling.
Authorities have expelled 1,344 repeat offenders from their respective districts and initiated proceedings to confiscate the property of 240 individuals connected to the trade. Since 2016, a total of 6,40,379 people have been convicted under the prohibition law, the majority for alcohol consumption. Notably, nine have received death sentences and 18 life imprisonment.
The campaign has also led to the seizure and auctioning of over 75,000 vehicles, generating more than Rs 428 crore in revenue for the state. Officials said that 57% of these vehicles were confiscated by the prohibition department alone.
Ahead of the 2025 assembly elections, enforcement efforts are being intensified, particularly across Bihar’s 23 border districts. Check posts are being reinforced to prevent the inflow of liquor from states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Arunachal Pradesh.
New technologies such as QR code tracking and coordination with other states’ police departments have improved the identification of illegal suppliers, wholesalers and retailers. Nodal officers have been appointed to support inter-state collaboration and disrupt supply chains.
Officials maintain that the prohibition law has led to a 97% reduction in liquor-related offences in the state.
