THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Drugs worth 3.25 crores were seized during the excise check during Onam. A total of 10,469 cases were registered. This includes 833 drug cases and 1851 Abkari cases. 841 people have been arrested in drug cases and 1479 in Abkari cases. The inspection started on August 6th and ended on September 5th. Minister MB Rajesh congratulated all the Excise Force personnel who made the Onam Special Drive a success.

All the force personnel were able to take strong action against drugs by being busy with work even during the festive season. Extensive checks were also conducted on the border roads by KEMU (Kerala Excise Mobile Intervention Unit). Inspection of licensed establishments has also been strengthened. The Minister also informed that the Excise Force will proceed with better enforcement activities.

13,622 inspections

13,622 inspections were conducted as part of the Onam drive. 942 raids were conducted in collaboration with other departments. 56 vehicles were impounded in drug cases and 117 vehicles in Abkari cases. The highest number of drug cases were reported in Ernakulam (92), Kottayam (90) and Alappuzha (87) districts. Least in Kasaragod district (8 cases). Most Abkari cases are in Palakkad (185) and Kottayam (184) districts and least in Wayanad (55) and Idukki (81) districts.

15.56 lakh in tobacco case

A fine of Rs 15.56 lakh was imposed in 7785 cases related to tobacco. 2203 kg of tobacco products were seized. 409.6 grams of MDMA, 77.64 grams of heroin, 9 grams of brown sugar, 8.6 grams of hashish, 2.6 grams of hashish oil, 83 grams of methamphetamine, 50.84 grams of Nitrazepam pills and 2.8 grams of tramadol were seized. 194.46 kg of ganja and 310 ganja plants were also taken into custody. 1069.1 litres of liquor, 5076.32 litres of Indian-made foreign liquor and 585.4 litres of spurious liquor were seized.