Smugglers turn SUV into storage for liquor, packs found in spare tyre, under engine

Two persons were arrested in Bihar’s Gopalganj district after they were allegedly caught smuggling a consignment of liquor into the dry state.

The contraband was concealed in specially created compartments inside an SUV, officials said. A video of police personnel recovering the illegal shipment has also surfaced.

The seizure was made by a team of the excise department following a tip-off that a large consignment of alcohol was being brought in from Uttar Pradesh.

Acting on the information, excise officials formed a team and launched an intensive vehicle-checking drive in Gopalganj. During the operation, the personnel stopped a suspicious Scorpio and began searching the vehicle.

At first glance, nothing suspicious was apparent. However, a detailed inspection revealed that the car had been modified with concealed compartments in several parts, including the engine area, body, chassis and even the spare tyre.

Several tetra packs containing liquor were allegedly concealed in these specially designed compartments. The vehicle was subsequently seized, and the two alleged smugglers were arrested.

According to officials, the accused are residents of Samastipur and Vaishali districts in Bihar.

The duo were being questioned by excise officials as part of the investigation.

The case is the latest example of smugglers adopting unconventional methods to transport liquor in Bihar, where alcohol has been banned since 2016.

In previous cases reported from Gopalganj, liquor has allegedly been concealed in electrical stabilisers, gas cylinders, ambulances, toilet-cleaning tanks and even chairs in attempts to evade detection.- Ends(Based on inputs from Vikash Kumar Dubey)Published By: mayukh Published On: Sep 18, 2026 10:07 IST