Drugs being sold openly in UP capital: Excise minister

Lucknow, May 19 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Excise minister Nasimuddin Siddique today claimed that drugs were being openly sold in the state capital.

Talking to reporters here, the newly-appointed minister said a variety of drugs were being sold near the Charbagh railway station, Naka Hindola and near King George's Medical University and hospital.

''Excise officers have informed me about the sale...appropriate action will be taken,'' he claimed.

He said while the smuggling of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) has been checked to a great extent, that of illicit country liquor continued to be sold. ''The Excise department has been asked to carry out raids at manufacturing units and take police help,'' he said.

The minister claimed that efforts would also be mounted to check inter-state smuggling of liquor.

UNI