KARACHI, June 26: During 2006-07, the Sindh excise and taxation department arrested 312 persons and seized 58kg heroin, 2,132kg hemp, 17kg opium and 7000 litre raw liquor, claimed Sindh Excise and Taxation Minister Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani.

Talking to journalists in connection with the World Anti-Narcotics Day here on Tuesday, he said that despite limited resources, his department was making all-out efforts to extirpate the menace of drugs from the country. He said that efforts were on to upgrade the department on modern lines. The minister said that a committee, headed by the DG Excise and Taxation, Marghoob Ahmed Siddiqi, held various anti-narcotics public awareness programmes, displayed banners throughout the city and published a special souvenir in connection with the World Anti-Narcotics Day.

On the occasion, special messages were also issued by Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad, Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim and Chief Secretary Shakil Durrani.—APP