Bihar: Milk Tanker Turns Into Liquor Carrier — Banka Police Bust Major Smuggling Racket Ahead of New Year

With the New Year approaching, liquor smugglers have intensified their activities in prohibition-hit Bihar. In a major crackdown, the Katoria Prohibition Police Station in Banka district intercepted a high-speed milk tanker and uncovered a large consignment of illegal foreign liquor, cleverly concealed to evade detection.

Acting on a tip-off that a huge consignment of liquor was being transported from Jharkhand into Bihar, the police launched a special checking drive across rural and forest routes. During the operation, officers attempted to stop a milk tanker and a mini pickup van carrying dairy supplies. The drivers tried to flee at high speed, raising suspicion. However, the police swiftly cordoned off the area and seized both vehicles.

Upon inspection, the tanker — supposedly filled with milk — revealed a shocking truth. Instead of milk, it was loaded with boxes of foreign liquor. The police further intercepted a luxury car, which was also found carrying liquor bottles hidden under seats, inside the boot, and even beneath the engine compartment using highly deceptive methods.

Massive Seizure, Four Arrested

In the operation, police seized nearly 200 cartons of foreign liquor from the three vehicles — the milk tanker, mini pickup van, and luxury car. Four liquor smugglers, including the drivers of all three vehicles, were arrested on the spot. The successful raid has sent shockwaves through liquor smuggling networks operating in the region.

The arrested luxury car driver has been identified as Chandan Kumar, son of Mohan Poddar, a resident of Bishanpur Chandni Chowk in Begusarai district. Preliminary investigations suggest that the gang had been using milk tankers and dairy transport vehicles for a long time to camouflage liquor consignments and mislead enforcement agencies.

Smugglers Using Back Routes

Police revealed that the smugglers deliberately avoided highways and main roads, instead choosing remote village and forest routes to transport liquor into Bihar. With the festive season nearing, smugglers have reportedly increased supply to various districts across the state.

Investigation Underway

The police have launched a detailed investigation to identify the entire smuggling network, including suppliers, financiers, and receivers involved in the operation. Officials reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in violating Bihar’s prohibition laws.

The seizure highlights the growing challenge faced by law enforcement agencies ahead of the New Year, even as authorities remain alert and committed to cracking down on illegal liquor trade across the state.