Onam 2026: Kerala Minister Chennithala Issues Warning Over Illegal Liquor Supply

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Sunday warned that the illegal flow of spirit and intoxicants into the state during the Onam season will not be allowed under any circumstances.

Chennithala said strict directions have been issued by Excise Minister M Liju to stop the movement of intoxicants into Kerala. He also urged people to stay alert and work together to prevent the spread of drugs and other harmful substances.

“Intoxicants destroy society and its people,” Chennithala said in a Facebook post, calling for public support in the fight against their use and illegal supply.

The warning comes ahead of Onam on August 26, when travel and celebrations across Kerala will increase. The focus is on stopping illegal supplies and movement of spirit and intoxicants, and does not mean a blanket ban on licensed liquor sales.

The warning comes as Kerala’s Excise Department is already running a major enforcement drive. Under Operation Thunder, the department conducted 24,131 raids and registered 20,669 cases between May 18 and July 11, according to Liju. A total of 4,616 people were arrested during the period.

The seizures included 756 litres of spirit, 503 litres of illicit liquor and 9,135 litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor. Officials also seized large quantities of ganja, MDMA, methamphetamine and other drugs.

The crackdown has continued in recent weeks. In July, Excise officials seized banned intoxicants worth nearly Rs 50 lakh in Idukki during raids under Operation Thunder.

The government is also working on a new liquor policy. Liju has said no decision has been taken on the sale of low-alcohol beverages and that the issue will be considered as part of the new policy. He has also said tackling drug abuse remains a key priority.

With Onam approaching, the latest warning makes it clear that the government plans to keep a close watch on the illegal movement of spirit, liquor and other intoxicants during the festival season.