AP: Govt sets up spl agency of SEB to curb liquor smuggling: Spl CS Dr Rajat Bhargava
Government in its avowed Policy of reduction in consumption of liquor have taken several measures to implement it. The Government have created a specialized agency of Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) to curb the illegal transportation of liquor in the State.
The Special Enforcement Bureau has been created and came into existing w.e.f. 09.05.2020. Previously, there were (350) personnel look after the Enforcement work in Excise Department and now the Special Enforcement Bureau has been given nearly (5,000) personnel to look after the Enforcement of Excise Laws.
The Special Chief Secretary, Dr. Rajat Bhargava, has reviewed the performance of both Excise and Special Enforcement Bureau and the work done by the Enforcement Bureau is appreciated. He has warned those people who are dealing in ID and smuggling and asked Special Enforcement Bureau to take strict action including action under PD Act.
It is informed that the Government has taken a very serious note of illicit distillation in the State and is committed to curb it with an iron hand. During the year 2020-21, (59,873) cases were booked in respect of illicit distillation operations and (46,872) persons were arrested. Besides, (7,71,288) litres of ID arrack was seized and (2,19,55,812) litres of fermented jaggery was destroyed and (6,540) vehicles seized.
The Special Enforcement Bureau have also taken a serious view on the circulation of non-duty paid liquor not only to safeguard health of the public but to maintain Law and Order. During the same period (34,643) cases of Non-Duty paid liquor were booked and (50,401) persons were arrested. Besides, (6,98,305) litres of NDPL was seized and (18,744) vehicles seized.
Till now, Five persons habituated in bootlegging have been detained under PD Act. It has been instructed the Special Enforcement Bureau to detain all the habitual bootleggers under PD Act, and this item of work will be reviewed in the next meeting.
The Director of Special Enforcement Bureau Sri P.H.D. Ramakrishna, IPS, the Managing Director, AP State Beverages Corporation Limited Sri D.Vasudeva Reddy, IRTS, the Additional Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise Sri K.L. Bhaskar and other officials have attended the meeting.
