LUCKNOW, March 6 -- The Special Task Force (STF) of Uttar Pradesh police on Wednesday uncovered a liquor smuggling network transporting illegal consignments from Uttar Pradesh to Bihar by erasing QR codes and brand labels to conceal the source. Three smugglers were arrested on Wednesday near Alamnagar police station in Thakurganj while moving a shipment of illicit liquor.

The STF seized 45 boxes of English liquor, Rs.2,810 in cash, three mobile phones, two Aadhaar cards, and two ATM cards. The arrested individuals were identified as Vishal Jaiswal from Sitapur, Aadesh Jaiswal from Hardoi, and Nirmal Kumar from Begusarai, Bihar.

The investigation revealed that the gang procured liquor from government-run shops in Haryana, Lucknow, and ne...