The Special Enforcement Bureau plays a key role in preventing alcohol and sand smuggling in AP. However, severe staff shortage has affected the performance of SEB, as the AP Cabinet decided to use the organisation not only to curb alcohol and sand smuggling but also to curb online gambling, drugs and Ganja smuggling. For this, the SEBs will be strengthened. Later, the Cabinet decided to expand its scope to curb the rampant cultivation of Ganja in the state and to curb online gambling and playing cards. The Cabinet discussed the suggestions for strengthening the SEB.
How is the performance of SEB in AP?
After the Jaganmohan Reddy government was formed, a special branch called the Special Enforcement Bureau was set up to crack down on sand and alcohol smuggling. The SEB operates under a senior IPS officer. Till date, no special staff has been recruited for the branch. Now, 70 per cent of the excise branch has been transferred to SEB, with this liquor Bhattis are being located and destroyed, while the persons responsible for smuggling liquor from neighbouring states are being held and prosecuted.
We will make appointments for SEB: DGP
The AP cabinet, which met at the Velagapudi Secretariat today, decided to strengthen SEB to crack down the alcohol and sand smuggling as well as illegal activities like playing cards, online gambling, Ganja and drugs. The DGP has already revealed that special staff would also be appointed for SEB. The problem of illicit liquor in AP has been greatly reduced with the reduction of liquor prices. The Cabinet also approved to implement the sand policy transparently. If this happens, SEB will focus on curbing illicit activities such as marijuana, drugs, playing cards and online gambling.