Drug peddler’s house razed at Mustafabad in Amritsar

Continuing with demolition of houses of drug peddlers, the Amritsar city police commissionerate today demolished the home belonging to a drug trafficker identified as Sonu Singh, alias Mota, in Mustafabad area of Indira Colony here today.

According to the police, Sonu Mota and his mother Joginder Kaur had four and two FIRs registered against them, respectively, under the NDPS Act.

Police Commissioner (CP) Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the Amritsar Municipal Corporation (MC) had sought security for its staff for the demolition of the drug peddlers’ house due to various violation of the building bylaws. He said Sonu Mota and his mother were involved in drug peddling for a quite some time. His father was also in jail on similar charges. The CP said whoever was involved in drug trafficking would be dealt with an iron hand.

Meanwhile, Special Director General of Police (DGP) Shashi Prabha Dwivedi today reviewed surprise search operations conducted by the police commissionerate in three zones of the city.

The Police Commissioner and other senior officials also accompanied her during the search operations. The DGP interacted with residents to take their feedback on the current campaign against drugs launched by the Punjab Police.

Speaking on the occasion, she said the police were taking strict action against those involved in illegal drug trade. Apart from taking enforcement measures, awareness campaigns were also being held at public places, schools, colleges and other educational institutions to apprise people about the harmful effects and consequences of drug abuse, she said.

“Efforts are also being made to rehabilitate drug addicts by encouraging them to seek help and facilitating their admission to de-addiction centres,” she said.

Bhullar said the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign was launched in the state by the Punjab Government on March 1 during which the city police registered 221 cases under the NDPS Act and arrested 471 drug smugglers.

The police seized 43.695 kg of heroin, 2.2kg of opium, over 6,000 intoxicating tablets, 13 kg of poppy husk, Rs 59.32 lakh of drug money and 27 two-wheelers and four-wheelers during the drive, he said. The police also arrested 41 proclaimed offenders, he said.