Kochi City police to step up drive against drugs, spurious liquor during festive season

Five special teams, each led by a sub-inspector, to remain alert round the clock

With the Christmas-New Year festive season approaching, the Kochi City police are set to intensify their enforcement drive against drugs and spurious liquor until mid-January.

Five special teams, each led by a sub-inspector and comprising five members, have been formed for the anti-drug enforcement drive. Besides, all police stations under the Kochi City police have been directed to deploy special teams for similar operations within their jurisdictions.

“The special teams will remain on 24x7 alert and can be deployed at a moment’s notice. Five striking force teams with 20 members each have also been formed for the drive. We are closely monitoring history-sheeters previously booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances [NDPS] Act, tracking their activities and current whereabouts,” said K.C. Babu, Assistant Commissioner, District Crime Records Bureau and head of the city’s Narcotics Cell.

Police personnel involved in the special drive will operate in plain clothes. Hotels and venues hosting DJ parties must secure prior permission, with police deployed at the events to check for substance abuse. Joint operations with enforcement agencies like the Excise and Customs are planned. The police are maintaining heightened vigil to address the usual spike in NDPS cases during the festive season.

“We plan to conduct surprise inspections by sealing city border entry points. Trains and inter-State buses will undergo routine checks, and vehicle inspections will be further intensified,” said Mr. Babu.

The public can pass on information to the police via the emergency number 112. Drunken drive and overspeeding will be strictly enforced and those found guilty will have their driving licences suspended.

Published - December 14, 2024 01:39 am IST