Kerala Police Seize 3,030 Litres of Illicit Spirit Ahead of Onam in Thrissur
The Thrissur City police in Kerala have seized approximately 3,030 litres of spirit allegedly stockpiled for the illegal manufacture and sale of spurious liquor. The seizure was made during a special drive launched ahead of the Onam festival, officials said on Monday.
The operation, codenamed 'Operation Toofan', was led by Thrissur City Police Commissioner Nakul Rajendra Deshmukh. A joint team comprising the City DANSAF (Drug and Narcotics Special Action Force) squad and the Mannuthy police conducted the raid on a rented house at Kalathode, Mannuthy, where the spirit was found stored in 101 cans.
According to the police, the house had been converted into a makeshift godown. They suspect that the stock was being stored for sale at elevated prices during the Onam season, when demand for liquor typically rises.
During the operation, the police also arrested the driver of a pickup van allegedly used to transport the spirit. The accused has been identified as Ajay E. Suresh, 28, of Kunnathangadi, Thrissur. He was taken into custody while the van was being used to bring the spirit to the godown, the police said.
The raid was carried out based on a tip-off received by Commissioner Deshmukh. A team led by City Narcotics Cell ACP Shibu P. conducted the inspection at the godown.
Speaking about the operation, Commissioner Deshmukh said the police had obtained crucial leads regarding the key accused in the case. Efforts are underway to apprehend them soon, he added.
The Thrissur City Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Abkari Act and the Indian Penal Code. The seized spirit has been taken into custody for further investigation, and samples will be sent for chemical analysis. The arrested driver is expected to be produced before a magistrate.
This seizure is part of a broader crackdown on the illegal liquor trade in Kerala, which intensifies ahead of major festivals like Onam. Consumption of illicit spirit poses severe health risks, including blindness and even death. The police have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the trade.
Onam, the annual harvest festival of Kerala, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Authorities remain vigilant to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens during the festive period. The police have announced that such operations will continue in the coming days to prevent the distribution of spurious liquor.
