Patna, April 18 (NationPress) In a significant achievement in the relentless fight against the illicit liquor trade, authorities in Bihar's Jamui district have apprehended five individuals involved in smuggling, including two minors, and have confiscated 17 cans of beer from a vehicle.

This operation took place near Patneshwar Chowk under the jurisdiction of Malaypur police station during a special vehicle inspection conducted by SDPO Satish Suman on Friday night.

Upon noticing suspicious behavior, police officers signaled a silver Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire to halt. The occupants attempted to escape, prompting the police to secure the area and arrest all individuals inside the car.

The detained suspects have been named as Rajiv Kumar alias Raju, Abhishek Kumar, Dharmendra Kumar, Rishu Kumar, and Rupesh Kumar Pandey, all hailing from Saw Tola.

A thorough search of the vehicle, conducted by a team led by Station House Officer Shekhar Saurabh along with Sub-Inspector Pankaj Kumar and Assistant Sub-Inspector Sunil Kumar, revealed 17 cans of beer hidden in a black backpack located in the trunk.

The vehicle was promptly impounded, and a case was filed against the suspects under the Prohibition Act at the Malaypur police station. Three of the accused were presented before a court on Saturday and were placed in judicial custody, while the two minors were taken to the Juvenile Justice Board and transferred to a children's observation home.

Initial investigations indicate that Rajiv Kumar, known as Raju, is believed to be the leader of this smuggling operation.

Authorities have revealed that he has been engaged in liquor smuggling for an extended period.

Sources indicate that Rajiv has been operating from the Malaypur area, posing as a grocery store and oil mill owner.

He reportedly orchestrated supply chains through online orders and had previously avoided arrest during several police operations.

The investigation has also uncovered that the liquor was obtained from Jasidih in Jharkhand and transported into Bihar through a network that allegedly involves minors.

These minors were reportedly tasked with deliveries, earning between Rs 200 and Rs 300 per trip, while Rajiv purportedly made around Rs 2,000 for each consignment.

Residents in the area have reported that the accused individuals had accumulated considerable wealth through this unlawful trade, actively recruiting minors, including students, into their operations by offering financial incentives and showcasing a lavish lifestyle.

Authorities are now conducting a comprehensive investigation aimed at dismantling the entire network and identifying all supply routes and distribution centers associated with this operation.