Punjab Chief Minister, Bhagwant Mann, has given a three-month deadline to the Punjab Police to eliminate the crippling drug menace that grips the state. The CM chaired a high-level meeting in Chandigarh with Commissioners of Police (CPs), Deputy Commissioners (DCs), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) where he launched a crusade against drugs, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy.
Multi-pronged Strategy
The government has outlined a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy to get rid of the drugs in the state. Key measures include deterrents for drug peddlers such as excluding those involved in drug trafficking and their families from subsidies like free electricity, water and other welfare schemes; setting up special courts to speed up the trials of drug-related cases; identifying drug hotspots and disrupting supply chains by arresting peddlers with rigorous search operations; and seizing all properties linked to drug peddlers and drug trade, with a 100% demolition mandate for illegal properties linked to drug trade.
Mann also advocated for introducing anti-drug curriculum in schools and colleges to spread awareness and educate the youth about the dangers of drugs, while ensuring that there should no worry about lack of funds to ensure maximum efficiency with which this goal can be achieved. All the DCs have also been directed to convert the anti-drug drive into a mass movement through awareness campaigns and community participation.
Strict Measures to Ensure Execution
CM Mann made it clear that all officers will be held accountable for their performance and that the progress of each district will be evaluated within a month. He promised strict disciplinary action against underperforming officials. The Punjab Police has been entrusted with the task of executing this mission with public cooperation.
Mann has directed to police to ensure airtight cases against the offenders to deter them from following the ill-course in future. This involves registering cases against drug traffickers based on lists provided by the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and to deny bail to those involved in significant drug rackets. He also suggested timely submission of challans in NDPS cases along with on-time submission of chemical reports in NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases.
Mann called for thorough investigations into drug overdose cases and enhance vehicle checks at traffic stops to prevent drug smuggling, both during the day and night. The Chief Minister has also warned that any police personnel found consuming or promoting drugs will face stringent action.
Targeting hotspots and Rehabilitation efforts
Mann has emphasised a proactive approach to identify and target drug hotspots, by conducting surprise operations at the suspected areas every fortnight. He has directed the CPs and SSPs to implement 24*7 policing in drug-prone zones and carry out weekly operation inside jails to curb the circulation of drugs within prisons.
CM Mann has also encouraged focus on rehabilitation efforts to provide a holistic solution ot the drub crisis. He has directed DCs to regularly inspect the government and private de-addiction centers to ensure that they are well-equipped with psychiatrists, counsellors, testing kits, medicines, security and hygiene facilities. He has also given directives to conduct outreach programs to counsel the families of drug addicts and ensure that drug overdose victims’ families are adequately compensated through the CM’s Relief Funds.
Mann also announced that properties once used for drug trade will be transformed into public libraries and knowledge-sharing spaces. Citing the example of Narangwal village, where an illegal property linked to drug smuggling was demolished, he assured that similar actions would be taken across the state.
CM Mann has assured full financial and administrative support to police and civil authorities for this ambitious anti-drug drive. Drawing parallels with Punjab’s successful fight against militancy in the past, he expressed confidence that the state will emerge victorious in this battle against drugs.
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Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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