T’puram: The excise department intensified highway and beach patrols across the Varkala region, citing a rise in cases related to illicit liquor transportation and illegal drug possession.Officials said special enforcement teams are conducting round-the-clock vehicle inspections and surprise checks along highways, coastal roads and beach tourism zones to curb illegal transportation and sale of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) as well as other narcotics.The intensified surveillance follows the recent seizure of 56 bottles of IMFL that were allegedly being transported illegally during a highway patrol by Attingal excise circle.Excise officials said nine cases of illegal drug possession have been registered in Varkala region so far, prompting enhanced surveillance in areas frequented by tourists. They also pointed out that four tourist operators working at various tourist resorts were arrested in separate MDMA cases, underscoring growing concerns over drug-related offences linked to tourism sector.The department said patrol teams have been instructed to maintain strict vigil at key entry and exit points, conduct random vehicle inspections and strengthen monitoring in beach destinations and other vulnerable locations. They added that Operation Thunder will continue with intensified enforcement to prevent smuggling and drug trafficking in the region.
