Prohibition – More than 1.6 million people have been arrested in Bihar since the state enforced complete prohibition in April 2016, reflecting the scale of its ongoing crackdown against illegal alcohol and narcotics.
Official figures presented in the state legislative council show that by December 31 last year, authorities had registered nearly 10 lakh FIRs against individuals accused of violating the prohibition law. During this period, enforcement agencies seized approximately 4.5 crore litres of illicit liquor and confiscated over 1.6 lakh vehicles allegedly used in smuggling operations.
The data underscores the extensive enforcement effort that has accompanied the ban, which remains one of the most stringent alcohol prohibition policies in India.
The issue of shifting substance abuse patterns was raised in the council by MLC Ravindra Prasad Singh, who sought clarification on whether the ban had led to increased use of other intoxicants.
Responding to the query, state Rural Works Minister Ashok Choudhary acknowledged reports of a modest rise in the consumption of thinner and certain drugs, particularly among minors. However, he maintained that the government has intensified action to contain the trend.
According to the minister, law enforcement agencies have seized 15,800 kilograms of ganja, 240 kilograms of opium, 350 kilograms of charas, and nearly 40,000 litres of cough syrup suspected to be misused as an intoxicant since prohibition was implemented.
MLC Virendra Narayan Yadav also expressed concern about growing addiction in areas along the Ghaghara river basin, especially near the Uttar Pradesh border. He alleged that liquor shops operating across the border were contributing to the inflow of alcohol and other banned substances into Bihar.
In response, Choudhary said the state has significantly bolstered border monitoring. A total of 22 checkposts have been established along the Uttar Pradesh border, 19 along the Jharkhand border, eight along West Bengal, and 17 along the international boundary with Nepal.
He added that each checkpost is equipped with CCTV surveillance and breathalysers to detect violations. Security agencies are also carrying out regular search operations along the Nepal border to intercept smuggled liquor and narcotics.
The prohibition law is widely regarded as a flagship initiative of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The legislation was introduced following sustained demands from women’s self-help groups, including members associated with the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project, who argued that alcohol abuse was harming families and local communities.
Since the law came into effect, the administration has maintained that strict enforcement is necessary to uphold its objectives. Alongside policing measures, the government has created a dedicated unit to track organized drug supply networks across the state. Officials say the special cell has been equipped with trained personnel and technical resources to identify and dismantle major trafficking operations.
In a recent development, police in East Champaran reported dismantling an international and inter-state smuggling network operating near the Indo-Nepal border. Authorities said narcotics valued at approximately Rs.1.50 crore were recovered during the operation.
Among those arrested was an alleged trafficker identified as Naresh Das, also known as Sadhu. Police said he was apprehended while transporting eight kilograms of charas and marijuana concealed beneath saffron robes.
Superintendent of Police Swarn Prabhat stated that further raids are underway to trace and detain other members of the network.
The latest seizure highlights the continued challenges faced by enforcement agencies as they attempt to curb illegal liquor trade and narcotics trafficking under Bihar’s prohibition regime.
