Patna: Authorities in Bihar’s Kaimur district have arrested more than 1,000 people for illegal liquor smuggling and seized over 123,000 litres of alcohol as part of an intensified crackdown under the state’s prohibition policy.
According to officials, the excise department conducted raids at 27,521 locations between January 1 and December 15. During these operations, 2,390 people were arrested for alcohol consumption, while 1,006 were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in illegal liquor trafficking.
The department also seized 587 vehicles used in the transport of alcohol, including two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers and trucks. Motorcycles accounted for the highest number of seizures, with 372 bikes confiscated, followed by 163 four-wheelers, 46 three-wheelers and six trucks. Excise officials said that 52 of those arrested were repeat offenders who had previously been jailed for alcohol consumption.
Gunjesh Kumar, the officer in charge of the excise superintendent’s office in Kaimur, said the department was running sustained enforcement drives against both liquor consumption and smuggling. “Action is being taken continuously to curb illegal trade and enforce prohibition,” he said.
Officials stated that a total of 3,448 people were arrested during the year for violations related to liquor consumption and trafficking. The seizures included both locally brewed and Indian-made foreign liquor, amounting to 123,092.34 litres.
Data released by the department showed consistent monthly enforcement, with arrests and seizures reported throughout the year. Authorities said the campaign would continue as part of the state government’s broader effort to enforce Bihar’s alcohol ban and deter organized smuggling networks.
