Police seized 4,500 liters of illicit liquor hidden in a mango orchard in Semanampatty village near Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. The orchard owner, a doctor from Kerala, is under investigation.
Coimbatore: In a significant bust, police have seized 4,500 liters of illicit liquor hidden in a mango orchard in Semanampatty village near Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. The operation was carried out on September 12 following a tip-off to the Kerala Excise Department.
The orchard, located near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border, is owned by Dr. Tony, a resident of Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The property was leased to a man named Sabeesh, who was reportedly managing the orchard.
Acting on confidential information received by the Kerala Excise Department about the storage of illicit liquor in the orchard, a joint team was formed. The raid was led by Kerala Excise Deputy Commissioner Rakesh, with assistance from both Kerala and Tamil Nadu police.
During the search operation, the team discovered 150 cans, each with a capacity of 35 liters, containing a total of 4,500 liters of illicit liquor. The contraband was well-hidden within the mango orchard.
Following the seizure, the Kerala police handed over the confiscated illicit liquor to the Tamil Nadu police at the Anaimalai police station, which falls under the jurisdiction where the offense occurred.
Authorities are currently questioning Dr. Tony, the orchard owner, to determine his involvement in the illegal activity. Meanwhile, Sabeesh, the lessee of the orchard, has reportedly fled, and police have launched a manhunt to apprehend him.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing the illegal liquor trade across state borders. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited as the police delve deeper into the case.