{
  "id": 2593512,
  "title": "Excise steps up vigil on Wayanad borders ahead of Onam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/excise-steps-up-vigil-on-wayanad-borders-ahead-of-onam",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-22T14:50:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/excise-steps-up-vigil-on-wayanad-borders-ahead-of-onam/article71378160.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Excise department in Wayanad is ramping up surveillance measures along the district's borders, particularly in areas that border Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, as Onam approaches. The heightened security is aimed at curbing the smuggling of narcotics and illicit liquor. Joint inspections involving various government departments will be carried out at check posts. A recent district-level Excise public committee meeting decided to strengthen enforcement in anticipation of the Onam festivities.\n\nThese measures include intensified inspections at Adivasi settlements, schools, and colleges to prevent the manufacture and sale of illicit liquor. Ward-level public awareness committees will be bolstered, and awareness programs will be organized with public participation. Strict action will be taken on complaints received from the public.\n\nIn the past month, Excise officials registered 623 Abkari cases, 397 narcotics cases, and 2,566 cases under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA). They conducted 5,157 raids, including 31 campaign raids coordinated with other departments. Seizures included illicit liquor, foreign liquor transported from other states, and a variety of substances like cannabis, ganja, MDMA, and tobacco products. Thirty-five vehicles were seized, and ₹3.72 crore in cash was confiscated.",
  "summary": "Excise officials say intensive inspections will be conducted at various places, including Adivasi settlements, to curb the manufacture and the sale of illicit liquor. Schools and colleges will remain under surveillance to check the sale of narcotic products",
  "key_points": [
    "Excise department increases border surveillance in Wayanad for Onam.",
    "Joint inspections at check posts and Adivasi settlements planned.",
    "Public awareness programs and strict action on complaints announced."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}