Following a State-level directive, the Excise Department has started collecting samples from various toddy shops to prevent attempts to sell spurious liquor during the Onam season. Closure notices will be issued to shops that are found violating safety norms.
As per the direction of the Excise Department, striking forces have been constituted in the district to keep a tab on the trade of illicit liquor. A border patrolling unit too will be operational till the end of the season to prevent the attempts of smuggling illicit liquor from other States.
An officer attached to the Excise Department said surveillance would be strengthened at check-posts by deploying additional staff. “At Azhiyoor, a special team will camp to keep a tab on the illegal transportation of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from Mahe,” he added.
A Shadow Excise wing too will swing into action to ensure proper surveillance in the sector. Helpline numbers have been provided to the public to pass confidential information to the wing.
According to officials, not less than 250 searches have been completed in the district since August 12. Thirty persons were arrested during the term. The team also seized 17 litres of arrack and 61 litres of IMFL. Round-the-clock control rooms will function in Kozhikode, Perambra, and Vadakara to receive complaints from the public.
