Kochi, 24 August (H.S.): Kerala has recorded a sharp increase in liquor sales during the Onam season, with beverages worth Rs 512.11 crore sold through Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) outlets over the past six days.

During the corresponding period last year, Bevco had registered sales of Rs 460.8 crore. The latest figures indicate an increase of around Rs 52 crore compared with the previous year, reflecting strong demand for liquor ahead of the festival.

Bevco officials expect sales to rise further in the coming days, particularly on Uthradam, the day before Thiruvonam and traditionally one of the busiest shopping days in Kerala. Large crowds are generally witnessed at liquor outlets across the State during this period.

According to available figures, liquor worth Rs 102 crore was sold across Kerala on Saturday alone. The total sales during the past three days stood at Rs 279.12 crore, accounting for more than half of the revenue generated during the six-day period.

The substantial rise in sales has drawn attention from the police and other enforcement agencies. Police officials believe that the increased demand for alcohol could partly be linked to the intensified crackdown on illegal narcotics under Operation Toofan, a special drive launched by the State government.

The operation has targeted drug trafficking networks and street-level suppliers across Kerala, resulting in numerous arrests and major seizures. Police suspect that some people who previously consumed illegal narcotic substances may have shifted to alcohol because drugs have become harder to obtain following the statewide enforcement campaign.

However, officials have not released any detailed study establishing a direct connection between the anti-drug operation and the increase in liquor sales.

With the principal Onam celebrations approaching, Bevco expects the cumulative sales figure to climb considerably. Final data on the State's liquor sales during the entire festival period will be available after the celebrations conclude.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman