Police, excise step up surveillance against illicit liquor trade, drug trafficking

Special squads of the Police, Excise, and election authorities have intensified checks across the borders of Kozhikode district as part of ongoing vigilance to track the movement of unaccounted money and synthetic drugs. Joint inspections involving multiple enforcement agencies are also underway in view of the Assembly elections.

Senior police officers said separate squads have been deployed to cover State borders as part of the enhanced surveillance measures. Inspection of inter-State and inter-district vehicles has been given top priority following directions from higher authorities.

“Officers in charge of patrol squads have been instructed to note down the registration numbers of vehicles during late-night inspections. If required, inter-State buses will also be subjected to flash inspections,” said a senior police officer associated with the inspection squads. He added that strict instructions have been issued to ensure that no campaigners carry liquid cash beyond the permitted limit.

Excise officials said 24×7 strike squads have been deployed to prevent the smuggling and sale of illicit liquor. Separate teams have also been assigned to monitor rural areas and identify suspected hooch dens.

“The anti-narcotics squads under Kozhikode city and rural police will conduct intensified flash inspections to track down drug peddlers. Inter-State bus services are already under scrutiny as part of the tightened security measures,” said an Inspector attached to the squad. He added that patrol teams would be stationed near railway stations, bus stands, and other key locations to monitor suspicious consignments and carriers.

As part of strengthening security and surveillance ahead of the Assembly elections, the police and the Central Armed Police Force have completed the first round of route marches in all sensitive areas of Kozhikode district. The police sources said a district-level review meeting will be held soon to discuss additional safety measures and deployment for the elections.