Panaji: In the run up to the Lok Sabha elections, Goa government has drawn up a plan to ensure that liquor does not become part of the contestants' attempts to add fizz to their campaign.
The state excise department has chalked out a three-tier plan to curb the free flow of booze during campaigning.
"Two flying squads, led by an assistant commissioner of excise, would be conducting surprise inspections and raids.These squads would operate from the head office at Panaji,", Excise Commissioner Sadip Jacques said.
The department has asked excise superintendents to monitor a few blocks, especially troubled spots, to ensure that liquor is not distributed during the campaign, he said.
"We have stations in all eleven blocks that are headed by excise inspectors, who will keep a close watch within their jurisdiction," Jacques said.
"We will develop our own intelligence network that will keep track of purchases during the run up to the polls," he said.
The Excise department has also asked distilleries to give details of liquor dispatched to wholesalers.
As liquor is available at much lower rates in Goa due to the taxation structure, Goa government has also intensified checking of commercial and non-commercial vehicles on state borders.
The Excise department is keeping a special watch on defunct liquor manufacturing units as they could be used during elections to pump in illegal liquor, Jacques added.
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