Kochi: A junior artiste from the Malayalam film industry has been arrested by the Excise Department for possessing 52 litres of liquor. The accused, Shafeeq, popularly known as Alku and a native of Tirur, was nabbed during an operation.

Excise officials seized 15 litres of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) and 58 bottles of beer from him. The car used by the accused has also been taken into custody.

Alku had appeared in minor roles in films including Action Hero Biju. He reportedly earned the nickname ‘Alku’ due to his involvement in the illegal sale of liquor.

According to officials, he would supply liquor to customers across various parts of Kochi city during night hours. Youths and auto-rickshaw drivers were said to be his primary clients.