Kochi: Kerala has spent Rs 43.97 crore since 2016 on anti-drug campaigns when the government sells around 1.5 lakh litres of liquor each year. The first Pinarayi Vijayan ministry rolled the 'Vimukthi' project, an anti-narcotics campaign, in October 2016 to create awareness about the dangers of drug use.
As per the government data, 73,743 people sought treatment under the project till June 30, 2022. Kozhikode(8566), Thrissur(7338), Kannur(7273), Ernakulam(6882) and Kollam(5725) have the most number of cases registered under the project.
The project highlights the seriousness of the situation and creates awareness among people, especially youth. The project aims to completely eradicate all sorts of narcotic substances from Kerala.
However, the state government has not taken a step to reduce liquor production to assist with the project. Rs 16,619.97 crore worth of liquor was sold through Bevco outlets in the state between June 2021 and May 2022.