Telangana to arm excise staff, intensify war on drugs: Minister Jupally

Hyderabad: Prohibition and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Friday announced that the State government is considering arming Excise personnel and providing them special training to ensure their safety during anti-drug operations.

The Minister said necessary training would be imparted before weapons are handed over, making it clear that protecting enforcement officials engaged in anti-narcotics drives is a priority.

He was speaking after unveiling the diary and calendars brought out by the Telangana Prohibition and Excise Executive Officers Association at Ravindra Bharathi on Friday.

Drug-free Telangana is the ultimate objective

Reiterating the government’s broader mission, Jupally said Telangana is determined to eradicate the drug menace and push narcotics trafficking back to the State’s borders.

Expressing concern over the growing impact of drug abuse, he noted that addiction is destroying the future of youth and tearing apart families.

“Young people are falling into the trap of substance abuse, families are suffering and parents’ dreams are being shattered. Such destructive forces must be eliminated from society. A drug-free Telangana should be our collective goal,” he asserted.

Tribute to Constable Soumya

The Minister termed the death of Constable Soumya, who lost her life while attempting to stop a ganja smuggling gang in the line of duty, as deeply unfortunate.

He assured that the government stands firmly with her family and recalled that Rs 1 crore had been extended as immediate financial assistance.

Her sacrifice would not go in vain, he said, emphasising the need to intensify efforts against drug syndicates.

Support for Excise officials