Be careful when renting out buildings and houses; new law can put house owner liable for crime

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Excise Department has taken a new step in the fight against drug abuse. Malappuram Assistant Excise Commissioner R Manoj clarified that house owners should stay alert about drug trade and its use in rented buildings.

If drugs are seized from a rented building, the owners of the house will also be held liable. This is a warning that the owners will have liabilities based on the persons paying the rent and the transactions.

Strong action is being taken in the wake of the increasing drug abuse cases in which migrant and other state workers are accused. R Manoj informed that special steps will also be taken to educate homeowners about the laws and responsibilities against drug abuse. He also clarified that those who share the contact details of drug users and gain financial growth are also under surveillance.