Siliguri, 14th February: In a major operation, the Excise Department arrested two persons and seized liquor worth approximately ₹20 lakh near Champasari More in Siliguri. The liquor was allegedly being smuggled from Sikkim and was meant to be supplied in Siliguri.
Acting on a tip-off, the excise team launched a drive in the area and intercepted a goods-laden truck on suspicion. During the search, around 800 litres of liquor were recovered from inside the vehicle. The market value of the seized liquor is estimated to be nearly ₹20 lakh.
The driver of the vehicle, Vishnu Kumar Vishwakarma, and the assistant, Sanjay Thakur, were arrested in connection with the case. Both are reportedly residents of Uttar Pradesh.
According to excise sources, with Holi approaching, a large quantity of liquor had allegedly been brought from Sikkim with plans for illegal sale and black marketing during the festive season. Further investigation is underway.