Major Crackdown on Illegal Liquor Trade in Hazaribag
In a significant enforcement drive, Hazaribag police have dealt a heavy blow to the illegal liquor trade in the district. Over the past 72 hours, authorities have arrested five smugglers and seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) with an estimated market value of ₹20.7 lakh. Superintendent of Police Anjani Anjan confirmed the details on Thursday, emphasizing the district administration's firm stance against such illicit activities.
Coordinated Raids Across Multiple Police Stations
The crackdown involved coordinated operations across different police station limits, resulting in multiple seizures and arrests.
Chouparan Police Station Operation: On Tuesday morning, a car was intercepted under the Chouparan police station limits. Two smugglers were arrested for transporting 192 bottles of foreign liquor. According to a police statement, the consignment has a market value of approximately ₹7 lakh.
Katkamsandi Police Station Operation: In another successful raid on Thursday, two more smugglers were apprehended from a car under the Katkamsandi police station limits. Police confiscated 210 bottles of liquor valued at around ₹10 lakh.
Tatijharia Police Station Operation: Also on Tuesday, authorities seized 60 cartons of foreign liquor from a pick-up vehicle under the Tatijharia police station limits. One individual was arrested in connection with this seizure. The estimated market value of this confiscated liquor is ₹3.7 lakh.
Destruction of Country-Made and Mahua Liquor
In addition to the IMFL seizures, police have been actively destroying illicit country-made and mahua liquor. Over the past week, a total of 7,480 liters of such liquor, with a market value of approximately ₹5.25 lakh, were destroyed across various police stations and outpost areas in the district. This action underscores the comprehensive approach being taken to curb all forms of illegal alcohol trade.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Declared
SP Anjani Anjan stated unequivocally, "The district administration has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards illegal liquor trade. Such enforcement drives will continue." This declaration signals a sustained and rigorous campaign against smuggling operations, aiming to disrupt supply chains and deter future illegal activities.
The recent operations highlight the effectiveness of coordinated police efforts and intelligence gathering in tackling organized crime related to liquor smuggling. Residents have expressed support for these measures, hoping they will lead to improved law and order and reduced availability of illicit alcohol in the region.
As the crackdown intensifies, authorities are likely to increase surveillance and conduct more frequent raids. The success of these operations serves as a warning to those involved in the illegal liquor trade, reinforcing the message that such activities will not be tolerated in Hazaribag.
