Minister for Temperance and Excise Jupali Krishna Rao attended the fainting parade of Assistant Inspectors of Excise and Sub-Inspectors of Excise at the Excise Academy in Bandraguda Jagir on Thursday, June 11. |Photo courtesy: By arrangement
Prohibition and Excise Minister Jupali Krishna Rao on Thursday called for a crackdown on drug and marijuana trafficking in Telangana and asked excise department officials to leverage artificial intelligence, data analytics and other advanced technologies to counter the growing drug menace.
Referring to the passing out parade of assistant excise inspectors and sub-inspectors of excise at the Excise Academy in Bandraguda Jagir, the minister said emerging challenges such as marijuana, synthetic drugs, drug networks and illegal online trade require technology-driven responses by law enforcement agencies.
A total of 117 police personnel, including 28 assistant excise inspectors and 89 prohibition and excise sub-inspectors, participated in the parade after completing six months of institutional training. Of these, 33 were female police officers. The Minister also presented awards to the trainees for their outstanding performance during the training program.
Jupari said the Excise Department is not just a revenue arm of the government, but plays an important role in protecting public health and preventing young people from falling into addiction. He said drug abuse is a social threat that destroys families and jeopardizes the future of young people.
The minister said law enforcement must make greater use of artificial intelligence, data analysis, drone surveillance and social media intelligence to identify cannabis cultivation, monitor transport routes and dismantle drug networks. He added that the Telangana Municipal Corporation has taken steps to introduce world-class surveillance systems and technology to strengthen enforcement efforts.
He called for a relentless fight against drugs and directed police officers to remain vigilant against the entry of drugs into the state and take strict action against gangs involved in trafficking marijuana and illicit liquor. He said criminals must be brought to justice regardless of their influence or status.
Minister Jupari also urged the newly appointed officers to uphold discipline, integrity, transparency and public service throughout their careers. He said curbing illegal liquor manufacturing and drug trafficking would contribute to making Telangana a safer and healthier state.
The minister said the courage and sacrifice of constable Saumya, who died while intercepting illegal marijuana transport in Nizamabad, should serve as an inspiration to new police officers.
Additional Secretary Qureshi, Academy Secretary Suresh, Integration Secretary Anjan Rao, Integration Secretary Shashidhar Reddy, Chief Training Inspector Ranga Reddy, other senior officials and family members of the trainees attended the event.
issued – June 11, 2026 7:51 PM IST
