KOZHIKODE: With the aim of curbing the flow of narcotic products, prevent brewing and sale of illicit spirit and liquor ahead of the Onam festival, the Excise Department has intensified its enforcement activities. As part of the mission, functioning of a control room and Taluk level striking forces began operations on Tuesday. The officials said that a 24-hour control rooms had started its functioning at the district headquarter and at all taluk headquarters.
The officials also decided to monitor the functioning of licensed bar hotels, beer and wine parlours, Ayurveda dispensaries, and toddy shops as part of the drive. The enforcement drive will also include vehicle checking, patrolling in border regions. Liquor samples collected during the drive would be checked at the department laboratory. A mobile lab would also make unannounced visits in the district to collect samples, officials said.
Trains and railway stations would also be checked, it added. A press release from the department released phone numbers of Excise offices and personnel for the public to pass on information about hooch making and smuggling. The phone numbers are: divisional control room: 0495- 2372927, Excise Deputy commissioner- 9447178063 and Assistant Excise Commissioner- 9496002871.
