PESHAWAR, Jan 21: Wireless systems have been installed in excise department vehicles in Peshawar, Charsadda, Swabi and Mardan districts in order to help the department curb tax evasion and to deal effectively with drug smugglers.

This was stated by NWFP Director-General of Excise and Taxation Department Nasir Khan during a visit to the excise and taxation office in Nowshera.

He said that trained staff would be provided to operate the new wireless system.

“We have recovered about 1.25 ton of charas during various raids in 2006,” said Mr Khan.

He said 25 new vehicles were being provided to its officers to bolster the recovery of taxes, including motor registration, tokens and property taxes in the province.

Mr Khan said that the mobile squads would be equipped with modern weapons to curb smuggling and to effectively deal with elements involved in drug trade.—APP