THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Excise Department's complete digital wireless system against the drug mafia could be implemented in only six districts even after three years. The reason is lack of funds. This slowness is in the system to effectively transmit secret messages related to drug trafficking.

It was implemented only in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad districts. The contract is with a Pune-based company called Sheetal Wireless. 12 crores is the total fund sanctioned for Excise for one year of renovation work and they have to spend from this for vehicles as well. It was announced that the wireless control room at the Excise headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram would be completed this year, but it was not completed either.

2 crores in Ernakulam and Palakkad districts and 3.5 crores in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha districts was spent for the wireless system. Police in Thrissur and the Department of Motor Vehicles in Ernakulam partially use digital wireless by sharing Excise's tower system. The main tower of the state is in Ponmudi, Thiruvananthapuram.

Digital Wireless

• More clarity and accuracy. Can be used like a mobile phone
• Can contact each other from anywhere including from hilly areas
• Vehicle inspection information can be exchanged quickly at check posts
• Complete control of the control room at the Excise headquarters