The special drive of the Government Railway Police (GRP) against inter-State smuggling of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and narcotic substances via special trains is continuing in full swing in major railway stations in the district.
GRP squad members said they had seized around 102 litres of IMFL and 50 kg of banned tobacco products within just 60 days of the launch of the drive. Three persons have been arrested and charged under various sections of the Kerala Abkari Act and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act.
Sub Inspector B.K. Siju, who heads the squad, said the seized products including liquor and tobacco were worth Rs.1.40 lakh.
“Besides tracking instances of smuggling, our team has succeeded in booking around 102 persons who were found travelling in an inebriated state and causing nuisance to fellow passengers,” he added.
RPF support
The seven-member GRP squad operates with the support of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other informers in various railway stations. Passengers are also helping the squad in their drive by providing information about suspected bags and goods.
“Most carriers were found using costly suitcases and trolley bags for the operation. Our squad is checking all such trickeries to put an end to the illegal business,” said N.K. Mani, one of the Civil Police Officers who is part of the squad.
The GRP team has also urged passengers to pass on information about suspicious baggage or goods in trains. The helpline numbers, 9846200100 (GRP) and 182 (RPF), may be used to pass on information.
