Excise Dept. launches special programme to recognize "drug and liquor free" zones

The Excise Department has initiated a special program to recognise all areas except licensed excise areas as "free of drugs and liquor," the Department said in a release.

This program is being implemented in conjunction with the National Drug Prevention Week introduced by the President.

Accordingly, the Department would conduct narcotic prevention campaigns and inspection tours from July 1, Deputy Excise Commissioner Kapila Kumarasinghe told Times Online.

Awareness programmes will take place across schools, work places, and at independent venues in a bid to curb the usage of narcotics.

Licensed liquor dealers will also come under close watch while those who break the law in these areas will be brought before the law, the press release said.

"A majority of places have not been declared as Licensed Excise Areas yet," Mr Kumarasinghe conceded adding that this programme will take place on a temporary basis.

Meanwhile, the Department has also launched two special hotlines to provide tip-offs on illicit drug and narcotic-related matters. Those hotlines are : 0112 045 077 / 0112 045 078