Kerala Excise Ramps Up Pre-Election Operations Across Districts
In anticipation of the upcoming legislative assembly elections, the excise intelligence division in Kerala has significantly intensified its statewide operations. A comprehensive strategy has been implemented to identify and target critical areas across various districts that require heightened surveillance and action.
Focus Areas and Strategic Planning
The excise authorities have pinpointed specific zones of concern, including locations suspected of storing drugs or alcohol, repeat offenders in drug and alcohol cases, current suspects under investigation, illegal distillation centers, and facilities used for spirit storage. Additional intelligence gathering is ongoing, with plans for coordinated joint inspections involving field units in the coming days based on the collected information.
"Special inspections were conducted last month in hotspots related to alcohol and drug transactions in the district, anticipating the legislative assembly elections," stated an official release from the joint excise commissioner's office.
Operation Hot Spots: January Inspection Results
From January 12 to 31, under the supervision of Joint Excise Commissioner V Robert, the division executed Operation Hot Spots, conducting a total of 132 inspections across all districts in collaboration with field units. These efforts led to the uncovering of 142 cases, categorized as follows:
- 27 drug-related cases
- 14 alcohol-related cases
- 101 cases involving tobacco products
Notable Seizures and Arrests
The inspections yielded significant confiscations, including:
- In Kollam district: 208 grams of hashish oil seized in Pathanapuram and 52 liters of illicit liquor confiscated in a single case at Chadayamangalam.
- In Kozhikode: 400 liters of wash intended for illicit liquor production and 10 liters of illicit liquor were seized.
Overall, the operation resulted in the seizure of:
- 208 grams of hashish oil
- 3.166 kg of cannabis
- 2.51 grams of heroin
- 5.07 grams of narcotic pills
- 600 mg of methamphetamine
- 1,800 liters of wash
- 63 liters of illicit liquor
- 10 liters of Goan liquor
- 60 liters of foreign liquor
A total of 39 individuals were arrested in connection with these cases.
Continued Vigilance and Future Actions
The excise department has affirmed its commitment to maintaining rigorous inspections, with plans to expand operations to additional areas. This proactive approach aims to curb illegal activities and ensure compliance with excise laws during the election period, reinforcing the state's efforts to maintain law and order.
