Crackdown on illicit liquor trade: 18 arrested in Nagapattinam and searches conducted in lodges

As part of a district-wide crackdown on illicit liquor trade, the Nagapattinam police on late Saturday arrested 18 persons and remanded them in judicial custody.

Acting on the directions of the Superintendent of Police K. S. Balakrishnan, four special teams conducted coordinated searches in Kilvelur and Velippalayam police limits on January 31, 2026. The operation targeted the sale and transportation of illicit liquor, leading to multiple arrests in a single day.

Simultaneously, the police carried out a large-scale combing operation at all lodges and guest houses falling under the Velankanni police station limits. Ten special teams comprising two Deputy Superintendents of Police, five Inspectors and 50 police personnel were deployed for the operation.

Warning of strict action, the Superintendent of Police said those involved in the sale or smuggling of illicit liquor would be booked under the Goondas Act. He added such enforcement measures would continue across the district.