Govt chalks out plan to curb sale of moonshine

RAWALPINDI:

The Excise and Taxation Department has chalked out a plan to curb open sale of moonshine in Rawalpindi.

Under the plan, check posts will be set up at entrances and exits of the city in collaboration with police. Suspicious vehicles will be stopped and searched upon receiving intelligence report.

According to an Excise and Taxation Department official, there were over 150 license holder traders in Rawalpindi who traded in illicit chemicals, including alcohol and spirits. He added that there have been reports that smuggled spirits were being sold to local winemakers in the city. “Many people have died after consuming moonshine,” he said.

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The official said that the department would also take action over intelligence reports provided by licensed traders. Those selling other illicit chemicals, including spirits, will be arrested and prosecuted. He shared that the picketing plan included a plan to stop smuggling of chemicals into Rawalpindi first. Check posts will be set up at various places on Rawalpindi GT Road and Motorway to prevent smuggling of spirits, alcohol and other chemicals.

Local police personnel will also be deployed along with excise and taxation department personnel.

The official was said that the campaign would also enlist help of sniffer dogs that are capable of detecting any type of chemical in goods transport.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2021.