Hyderabad : Prohibition and Excise commissioner C Harikiran on Monday sought inputs from officials on arming excise personnel as the department prepares to send a proposal to the state govt seeking weapons for enforcement duties.
He said the department would have to coordinate closely with the police if excise personnel were allowed to carry weapons. During a review meeting with excise officials under the CURE jurisdiction, Harikiran sought their views on which levels of officers should be provided with weapons if the govt approves the proposal. The commissioner directed officials to step up surveillance against violations under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and the illegal movement of non-duty-paid liquor. He asked officers to take measures to prevent the sale and transportation of illicit liquor and drugs. The commissioner stressed the need for effective enforcement while ensuring coordination between the excise and police departments in cases requiring armed intervention.