Excise Minister Jupally urges use of AI, drones to dismantle drug networks
Prohibition and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Thursday called for a crackdown on drug and marijuana trafficking in Telangana and urged Excise Department officers
Prohibition and Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao on Thursday called for a crackdown on drug and marijuana trafficking in Telangana and urged Excise Department officers to use artificial intelligence, data analytics and other advanced technologies to combat the growing narcotics menace. Addressing the passing-out parade of Assistant Excise Superintendents and Excise Sub-Inspectors at the Excise Academy in Bandlaguda Jagir, the Minister said emerging challenges such as marijuana, synthetic drugs, narcotics networks and illegal online trade require a technology-driven response from law enforcement agencies. A total of 117 officers, including 28 Assistant Excise Superintendents and 89 Prohibition and Excise Sub-Inspectors, participated in the parade after completing six months of institutional training.
Of them, 33 were women officers. The Minister also presented awards to trainees who excelled during the training programme. Stating that the Excise Department is not merely a revenue-generating arm of the government, Jupally said it plays a key role in protecting public health and preventing youth from falling into addiction. He described drug abuse as a social menace that destroys families and jeopardises the future of young people. The Minister said law enforcement agencies must make greater use of artificial intelligence, data analytics, drone surveillance and social media intelligence to identify cannabis cultivation, monitor transportation routes and dismantle drug networks.
He added that Telangana was taking steps to introduce world-class surveillance systems and technologies to strengthen enforcement efforts. Calling for a ruthless fight against narcotics, he directed officers to remain vigilant against the entry of drugs into the State and take strict action against gangs involved in the trafficking of marijuana and illicit liquor. He said offenders must be brought to justice irrespective of their influence or status. Minister Jupally also urged the newly inducted officers to uphold discipline, honesty, transparency and public service throughout their careers. He said curbing illicit liquor manufacturing and narcotics trafficking would contribute to making Telangana a safer and healthier state.
The Minister said the courage and sacrifice of constable Sowmya, who died while intercepting the illegal transportation of marijuana in Nizamabad, should serve as an inspiration to the new officers. Additional Commissioner Qureshi, Academy Director Suresh, Joint Commissioner Anjan Rao, Joint Director Shashidhar Reddy, Chief Drill Inspector Ranga Reddy, other senior officials and family members of the trainees attended the event.
The BriefWire