KARACHI, Feb 14: The Sindh government has placed an order with the ordnance factory for the supply of sophisticated weapons meant for police department, which is supposed to launch a major offensive against drug mafia and narcotic smugglers, believed to be well equipped with modern weapons.

It is learnt that Secretary Excise Iqbal Ahmad Bablani, after getting approval from the Excise minister, has ordered supply of 39 pieces each of G-3 rifles and MP-5 submachineguns costing Rs2.5 million in the first phase.

The department has also sought allocation of an additional sum of Rs50 million for acquiring vehicles wireless system, besides installing a control tower and computers for the excise police. The weapons already available with the excise police have become obsolete and most of these inoperable, sources said, and pointed out that owing to the situation, the force was unable to counter the well-equipped members of drug cartels. They said the first consignment of weapons would be provided to the personnel performing duties at the check points and thoroughfares along provincial borders.

Once fully equipped, the excise police force would be able to intensify its campaign against drug pushers and smugglers in Lyari, Kharader, Keamari and other areas, the sources added.

Meanwhile, the department has filling up 200 vacancies in grade-5 to overcome shortage of manpower in the force.