Police hold anti-drug outreach meeting

The Amritsar Police Commissionerate on Friday organised a police-public meeting under “Operation Sampark” to strengthen community participation in tackling narcotics and anti-social elements.

MLA Inderbir Singh Nijjar was the chief guest at the event. Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar was present along with senior officers, including Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Vishaljeet Singh and Assistant Commissioners of Police Jaspal Singh and Pravesh Chopra. Representatives of trade associations, shopkeepers from Guru Bazaar and other prominent residents also participated in the interaction.

Addressing the gathering, the Police Commissioner said Punjab Police had adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drug traffickers and anti-social elements. He said stringent action was being taken under the NDPS Act, with large quantities of narcotics and drug money seized. Properties, both movable and immovable, allegedly acquired through drug trafficking were also being frozen and demolished in accordance with legal provisions.

He added under Operation Sampark awareness drives were being conducted in public places, schools, colleges and other educational institutions to educate citizens about the harmful effects of drugs. Those struggling with addiction were being encouraged to seek treatment and admitted to de-addiction and rehabilitation centres, he said.

He urged citizens to share information about drug peddlers or those disturbing public peace through the Punjab Police helpline number (112) or the Control Room mobile number (77101-04818). He said the identity of informants would be kept strictly confidential and that prompt action would be taken on credible inputs.

Highlighting achievements since January 1, he said 370 cases had been registered under the NDPS Act and 543 people arrested. He added seizures included 18.800 kg of heroin, 1.630 kg of opium, 0.523 kg of methamphetamine (ice), and 2,510 capsules and tablets. Drug money amounting to Rs 15.68 lakh was confiscated, along with 13 vehicles allegedly used in narcotics activities, including five four-wheelers and eight two-wheelers.

Additionally, 627 individuals were counselled on the ill effects of drug abuse. Of these, 302 were admitted to de-addiction centres for comprehensive treatment, while 325 were enrolled in OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) centres for medical support and rehabilitation.