Karwar: After the Model Code of Conduct for the Yellapur Assembly Constituency has come into effect, the Excise Department has registered 73 cases of illegal transportation/sale of liquor and has arrested 52 persons in connection with those cases, informed officials.

Liquor worth Rs 1.45 lakh and vehicles have been seized. While 15 cases are serious in nature, 11 are against liquor stores and 47 cases are ‘15A’ cases. Goan liquor, Goan Fenni, a two-wheeler and a four-wheeler have been seized, officials added.

Six teams have been formed at zonal and sub-divisional levels to check excise-related illegalities. The district administration has set up 14 check posts in Yellapur Constituency and excise staff have been deputed in six check posts where there is a possibility of excise illegalities.

All the excise teams of the district are patrolling at night, checking vehicles and raiding farmhouses and places in case of suspicion. It also submits reports of daily basis to the district administration, excise commissioner and election officer regarding steps taken to check illegalities.