Patna: The state govt intensified its crackdown on the illegal liquor trade in Aug, conducting more than 1.12 lakh raids across the state in a joint operation by the prohibition, excise and registration department and Bihar Police.According to department data, around 10,000 cases were registered between Aug 1 and 31, while more than 11,000 people were arrested for violations of the prohibition law. Of these, over 8,100 cases involved liquor consumption, while around 3,200 were linked to the manufacture, sale, storage and smuggling of liquor.Saran recorded the highest number of raids at 6,401, followed by Patna Sadar with 6,333. Patna Sadar also recorded the highest liquor seizure during the period. Major operations were also conducted in Gopalganj, East Champaran, Araria, Gaya, Sitamarhi and Nawada.Enforcement teams seized more than 7.10 lakh litres of liquor, including over 5.64 lakh litres of country-made liquor and around 1.44 lakh litres of Indian-made foreign liquor. They also seized 1,624 litres of spirit and nearly 49.78 lakh kg of fermented mahua.Authorities also seized 1,010 vehicles allegedly used for liquor smuggling, including 740 two-wheelers and 28 trucks.Officials said coordinated operations and surveillance would continue to curb the illegal liquor network and enforce prohibition across Bihar.
