Liquor flows freely into city from Tiruvallur

Chennai

This was after the stringent lockdown came into effect and before too, a number of such cases were reported, indicating free flow of liquor into the city from neighbouring districts.

In most of the cases registered in Chennai, the sellers admit that they bought the liquor in Tiruvallur district.

“The Tasmac shops in Athipattu, Perungavur, Arumandhai and Tiruvellaivayal are where most of the liquor is being smuggled from. A lot of people come from the city to buy the liquor in bulk, but even the cops who stand guard at the shops do not question them. Also, the vehicle check is not done in a proper manner,” said an activist.

On Saturday, revenue officials raided a house in Tiruvellaivayal based on a tip-off and seized 140 liquor bottles. They were handed over to the Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW). However, when contacted, Ponneri PEW police said they conduct vehicle check regularly and book at least four to five cases daily.

“Anybody who is carrying more than eight bottles will be booked for smuggling,” said an official. However, he admits the locals buy liquor and give it to those coming from Chennai.