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.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. He said the department would have to coordinate closely with the police if excise personnel were allowed to carry weapons.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.Harikiran also directed officials to speed up the collection of excise rental fees from bars and liquor shops.He asked officials to make necessary arrangements for applicants seeking new bar licences and provide them with proper guidance during the application process.The commissioner stressed the need for effective enforcement while ensuring coordination between the excise and police departments in cases requiring armed intervention.
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