With quarrels under the influence of alcohol observed as a driving force in a large share of cases of murders, physical assault and other crimes getting reported in Coimbatore, the city police have stepped up measures to curb consumption of liquor in public places and drunk driving.Different police stations in the city registered six cases and arrested as many persons on June 5 for consuming alcohol in public places. A total of nine persons were arrested in as many cases registered on June 6. The police said that random checks are being conducted in deserted areas close to liquor outlets, underpasses and open places like grounds, which tipplers misuse to consume liquor.“In many cases, the spark that triggers a crime is a brawl. We have intensified measures to curb drinking in public places as a preventive measure. As a result of the drives in the past few days, there is a noticeable dip in crimes,” City Police Commissioner N. Kannan told The Hindu.According to Mr. Kannan, driving under the influence of alcohol is a triggering factor in many incidents of road rage and rash driving, which endanger the lives of other motorists and pedestrians. The police are conducting vehicle checks at random places to curb drunk driving and other offences, he said.In one such vehicle check on June 5, the police detected smuggling of 10 kg of ganja, eventually leading to the seizure of 33 kg additionally.Based on the instructions issued by DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal to the force State-wide, the city police have also intensified foot patrols, which is aimed at preventing crimes and increasing police presence. Published - June 07, 2026 08:56 pm IST