Hyderabad – The Prohibition & Excise Minister, Jupally Krishna Rao, urged officials to clamp down on the illegal trade of ganja, drugs, country liquor, and non-duty paid liquor with a firm approach.
During a meeting with the State Task Force, District Task Force, and excise enforcement teams, the Minister mentioned the possibility of arming special enforcement staff if needed. He assured that those excelling in their duties might receive weapons and training.
The discussion at the meeting revolved around the idea of providing weapons to Excise Department officials. The Minister asked about regulations and potential hurdles, and he encouraged officials to study how other states handle this issue.
He stressed the importance of taking decisive action against ganja, synthetic drugs, illicit arrack, and non-duty paid liquor, emphasizing the government’s duty to protect public health.
Officials were asked to investigate illegal jaggery production and sales and to create guidelines for redirecting confiscated jaggery to farmers for making organic fertilizers.
The Minister also suggested finding ways to utilize non-duty paid liquor instead of destroying it, possibly by regulating its sale as a national product.
He highlighted the need to monitor the production, transport, and use of ganja and synthetic drugs, and called for investigations into unlawful industries in Nacharam and Cherlapally.
The Minister observed a decline in toddy tapping due to fewer young people climbing palm and date trees. He proposed encouraging breweries to use toddy for commercial purposes. Additionally, he instructed officials to oversee bars operating multiple outlets under a single license, as well as farmhouses and brandy shops not adhering to seating regulations. Surveillance of closed rice mills and other sensitive areas was also recommended.
Principal Secretary Rizvi, Excise Commissioner C Hari Kiran, Enforcement Director Shahnawaz Qasim, and Additional Commissioner Syed Yasin Qureshi attended the meeting.
Excise Commissioner Hari Kiran noted a drop in department revenues but anticipated an increase in sales during the Dasara festival.
Enforcement Director Shahnawaz Qasim reported that plans are in place to tackle the issues of ganja, synthetic drugs, illicit liquor, and non-duty paid liquor.
