Checking intensified against liquor smuggling

The Excise Department has intensified checking on the border areas to prevent smuggling of liquor during the local body elections. There were intelligence reports that spirits could be smuggled from Tamil Nadu during the election time. Excise Assistant Commissioner Benny Francis on Friday said the border patrolling had been intensified and the porous routes were being monitored. More staff were deputed on the border check-posts of Kumily, Cumbom Mettu, and Bodimettu. The sensitive areas were Udumbanchola, Peerumade and Munnar, Mr. Francis said.