At a review meeting held at the Coimbatore District Collectorate on Tuesday, Tamil Nadu Minister for Prohibition and Excise K. Vignesh highlighted the State’s anti-narcotics crackdown, announced proposed TASMAC reforms and reviewed progress on the Vellalore Bus Terminus and dump yard projects.
Coimbatore:
Tamil Nadu Minister for Prohibition and Excise K. Vignesh on Tuesday chaired a review meeting on the functioning of the Prohibition and Excise Department at the Coimbatore District Collectorate, where he assessed enforcement measures against narcotics and the implementation of various departmental initiatives. District Collector Pavan Kumar G. Giriyappanavar, Superintendent of Police K. Pavan Kumar Reddy, and senior officials participated in the meeting.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, the Minister said the State government has intensified its campaign to achieve a drug-free Tamil Nadu by strengthening enforcement and surveillance against the manufacture, sale and distribution of narcotic substances.
Highlighting the enforcement drive, he said that between May 10 and July 20, police registered 2,892 cases and arrested 3,845 persons for narcotics-related offences. During the period, authorities seized 3,579 kg of ganja, 27 kg of other narcotic substances, and 10,02,379 narcotic tablets. The seizures also included heroin, methamphetamine and ganja-infused chocolates, he added.
On allegations of overpricing at TASMAC retail outlets, the Minister said the practice had reduced significantly compared to earlier years, but the government was committed to eliminating it entirely. He said a fresh mechanism aimed at curbing overcharging would be introduced after July 27.
The Minister further said the government is examining measures to make liquor procurement for TASMAC more transparent and equitable by providing opportunities to a wider range of suppliers, rather than limiting purchases to a select few companies.
Referring to the proposal to introduce liquor sales in tetra packs, he said concerns had been raised that such packaging could attract children. In view of these objections, the government is exploring alternative packaging options before taking a final decision.
He also clarified that bars attached to star hotels are permitted to remain open until midnight primarily to cater to foreign business visitors, adding that similar provisions exist in Gujarat.
On infrastructure projects in Coimbatore, the Minister said the Vellalore Bus Terminus is nearing completion and will be opened for public use soon. He also expressed confidence that the longstanding issues related to the Vellalore dump yard would be comprehensively addressed by next year.
Tamil Nadu Minister for Prohibition and Excise K. Vignesh on Tuesday chaired a review meeting on the functioning of the Prohibition and Excise Department at the Coimbatore District Collectorate, where he assessed enforcement measures against narcotics and the implementation of various departmental initiatives. District Collector Pavan Kumar G. Giriyappanavar, Superintendent of Police K. Pavan Kumar Reddy, and senior officials participated in the meeting.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, the Minister said the State government has intensified its campaign to achieve a drug-free Tamil Nadu by strengthening enforcement and surveillance against the manufacture, sale and distribution of narcotic substances.
Highlighting the enforcement drive, he said that between May 10 and July 20, police registered 2,892 cases and arrested 3,845 persons for narcotics-related offences. During the period, authorities seized 3,579 kg of ganja, 27 kg of other narcotic substances, and 10,02,379 narcotic tablets. The seizures also included heroin, methamphetamine and ganja-infused chocolates, he added.
On allegations of overpricing at TASMAC retail outlets, the Minister said the practice had reduced significantly compared to earlier years, but the government was committed to eliminating it entirely. He said a fresh mechanism aimed at curbing overcharging would be introduced after July 27.
The Minister further said the government is examining measures to make liquor procurement for TASMAC more transparent and equitable by providing opportunities to a wider range of suppliers, rather than limiting purchases to a select few companies.
Referring to the proposal to introduce liquor sales in tetra packs, he said concerns had been raised that such packaging could attract children. In view of these objections, the government is exploring alternative packaging options before taking a final decision.
He also clarified that bars attached to star hotels are permitted to remain open until midnight primarily to cater to foreign business visitors, adding that similar provisions exist in Gujarat.
On infrastructure projects in Coimbatore, the Minister said the Vellalore Bus Terminus is nearing completion and will be opened for public use soon. He also expressed confidence that the longstanding issues related to the Vellalore dump yard would be comprehensively addressed by next year.