Kerala Excise Dept seizes 42 Bottles of Foreign Liquor from Kannur Native at Kozhikode
This latest haul adds to the escalating tally of contraband liquor confiscations in recent weeks
Kerala Excise Dept – Foreign Liquor bottle case – Kerala Excise Seizes Foreign Liquor – taxscan
Kerala Excise Dept – Foreign Liquor bottle case – Kerala Excise Seizes Foreign Liquor – taxscan
In a significant crackdown on illicit liquor smuggling in northern Kerala, the Excise Department on Thursday seized 42 bottles of foreign-made liquor allegedly smuggled in from Mahe, a coastal enclave known for its comparatively lenient liquor laws. The interception, which occurred at a routine vehicle checkpoint in Kunjippally, Kozhikode district, highlights ongoing efforts by authorities to stem the flow of contraband alcohol into the state.
Acting on a tip-off, a team of Excise officers conducted a surprise inspection of vehicles passing through the Kunjippally checkpoint late in the evening. During the process, they flagged down a suspicious vehicle and upon careful examination, discovered the concealed consignment of premium foreign liquor. The arrested individual, identified as Muttathil Mithun, a native of Thaliparambu, is believed to have close links to smuggling networks that regularly exploit regional borders for illegal transportation of alcoholic beverages.
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According to Excise officials, the seizure of foreign-made liquor has reached a cumulative total of approximately 400 liters within the last two weeks alone. Much of this liquor is understood to have originated from Mahe, a territory administered by Puducherry, where lower taxes and relaxed regulations make it a hotspot for smugglers seeking to profit from the higher alcohol prices and stringent restrictions in Kerala.
Authorities have announced that the arrested suspect is being interrogated to determine the identities of co-conspirators, potential distribution channels, and the broader networks involved. The Excise Department has also intensified surveillance measures, with more frequent vehicle checks along key transit routes and heightened monitoring of suspected hotspots.
The successful operation is a strong warning to those involved in illicit liquor smuggling.
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