IDUKKI: Narcotics squad seized arrack and hooch from an underground chamber in Mele Chinnar in Idukki's Vathikkudi. A pit was built for this purpose in a shed in the land owner by TR Jayesh. A 50-litre of arrack, 600-litre hooch and brewing equipments were seized. The inspection was based on a tip off received by the excise authorities. Jayesh ran away on seeing the officers.

A two meter deep pit was prepared for brewing the arrack. Three 200-litre barrels, equipments, and a specially prepared space for fermentation were also set up in the underground chamber. Meanwhile, the Excise team arrested a youth named Jelbin (35) from Mele Chinnar's Kanaka region with three litres of arrack. Probe is also being carried to find his possible links with Jayesh.

Preventive officers NK Dileep, KV Pradeep, CEOs KM Suresh, Dhanish Pushpa Chandran, Anoop Thomas and driver Nithin Johny participated in the inspection.