Alcohol smuggling to Bihar from Jhapa border on rise

By Lilaraj Khadka,Birtamod, Aug. 17: Smuggling of alcohol products has, of late,  increased to the Bihar State of India via the border areas of Jhapa. Alcohol sale and consumption are prohibited in Bihar.

Security forces deployed along the Nepal-India border in Jhapa often confiscate alcohol products in big hauls.

The Armed Police Force Border Outpost in Taghandubba seized beer and vodka worth Rs. 293,000 from the Kuwadi-Sadakbari Road in Ward No. 2 of Jhapa Rural Municipality Monday evening.

Security personnel also impounded a pickup van (Ba 21 Cha 5060) used for the smuggling. 

Similarly, on August 3, a car (State 1-01-0017502) with alcohol was also held from Ward No. 1 of Jhapa Rural Municipality. 

The seized alcohol and vehicles are handed over to the Bhadrapur-based Inland Revenue Office.

Authorities informed that not only alcohol but other items are being smuggled taking advantage of the open border between Nepal and India. Arresting the smugglers has also been a difficult task and clashes between security forces and smugglers have become common. 

Locals informed that the smuggling had increased after the Nepal government decided to levy tax on goods worth over Rs. 100 bought from India.