Andhra Govt to setup special enforcement Bureau to curb illegal liquor and sand transportation

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh government has decided to set up a Special Enforcement Bureau (Liquor and Sand) to curb illegal transport and manufacture of liquor and illegal transport of sand in the state.

This was revealed in a review meeting held here on Friday, chaired by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy. The Bureau functions as an autonomous body and takes strict measures to prevent the illegal transport of liquor in-between states.

In a review meeting with Excise Minister, Chief Secretary, DGP, and other top brass three days ago, the Chief Minister has instructed the officials to come up with a strategic plan. He said that as the government is taking steps towards the prohibition of alcohol, there are chances of illegal transport of alcohol and the manufacture of illicit liquor in the state. In the previous TDP government, the Enforcement system has not functioned properly and which is why liquor was available in permit rooms, belt shops with no regulations.

Ever since the YSRCP government has come into power, strict actions are being taken against the consumption of alcohol. For the same, 20 per cent of shops have been reduced besides 4,500 permit rooms, and 43,000 belt shops have been banned. The government has taken another step in prevention of alcohol in the state by setting up of the Special Enforcement Bureau.

The price of alcohol has been increased to 75 per cent and another 13 per cent of alcohol shops have been removed amounting to the reduction of 33% of alcohol shops.

The Chief Minister made it clear that there should no lapses in the functioning of this bureau. Likewise, ACB, Vigilance, and Intelligence department the functioning of the Special Enforcement Bureau (Liquor and Sand) should also be strengthened.

Director-General of Police would monitor the special enforcement bureau and

Commissioner will be appointed as Director of Prohibition.

Assistant Superintendent of Police( ASPs) will work under Commissioner, Special Enforcement Bureau (Liquor and Sand) in districts and each ASP would have 20 to 30 people working under him. They would be coordinating with District SPs. Border districts where chances are more for illegal transport of liquor would have IPS cadre officers as charges and they also report to Commissioner, Special Enforcement Bureau.

The main responsibility of the special enforcement bureau is to prevent smuggling of Alcohol, preparation of illicit liquor and corruption in Sand transportation in the state and the Chief Minister directed the Officials to provide best infrastructure and vehicles for the effective functioning of the bureau. The Chief Minister directed the Officials to amend the rules to set up the autonomous body.