Port Blair, Dec. 2: In fight against bootlegging, illicit liquor and drug abuse, Andaman & Nicobar Police has adopted multi-pronged strategy coupled with zero tolerance against this menace. On supply front, Police is cracking the whips against bootleggers and drug peddlers. On demand side, mass public awareness campaign is launched to spread awareness about ill-effects of alcohol/drug abuse.

Cracking down on bootlegging, as many as 223 cases under 32 Regulation III of 1876 were registered during the month of October-November, 2022 as compared to 85 cases in August and 118 cases in September, 2022. 893 bottles of liquor, 484 Kgs of Handia and 102.7 ltrs of illicit liquor were recovered from the possession of bootleggers. Apart from this, search and combing operations were carried out in jungle in which as much as 2,390 ltrs of Lehan (fermented wash to prepare illicit liquor) was destroyed.

During October-November, 2022, more than 71 Awareness programmes on “Alcohol/Drug Abuse” were conducted in Schools/ Colleges, with Community leaders, PRI members and other stakeholders. The message of hazardous impact of alcohol/drug abuse on physical, mental, social and financial health is disseminated in a simple and entertaining manner with the help of Skit/Nukkad Natak enacted by Police Team. The A& N Police is committed to take stern action against bootleggers, illicit liquor, drug peddlers and other illegal activities.

The public is requested to share information pertaining to any crime or other illegal activities to Police at 100,112 & 03192-233077. The identity of the informant will be kept secret.