Chances for liquor tragedy; high alert in State

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of closing down of three-star and four-star bars, the chances are more for smuggling and sale of spurious liquor, which could entail liquor tragedy - this is the point stressed in the report submitted by Excise Commissioner Radhakrishnan. Following this report, the government has given instructions to the excise department to be on high alert in order to avoid such situations . 

The report says spurious liquor could be sold out through toddy shops and sale of fake foreign liquor and arrack could be on the rise. Taking this point into consideration, the Excise department has decided to conduct more frequent inspections at toddy shops and other such outlets. Deputy commissioners will head the inspection or raids, if needed.

The report, as well, points out the increase in ghanja and drug trafficking following the non-availability of liquor.

State Excise Intelligence has also given a similar report. The source of ghanja and narcotic items have been traced to states like Andhra and Odisha. The Excise department is keeping a close watch on places and trains where the contrabands are likely to be kept hidden.