War against drugs gets police-public boost

To strengthen police-public relations and intensify the fight against drugs, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) and Director, Bureau of Investigation, Punjab, LK Yadav visited Phagwara on Sunday. The event, held at Dr BR Ambedkar Auditorium, witnessed active participation from law enforcement officers, public representatives and citizens concerned.

However, the programme turned into an intense discussion when several attendees voiced their concern over the response of the police to drug-related information provided by the public. In the presence of ADGP Yadav and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kapurthala, Gaurav Toora, residents expressed their frustration, claiming that despite providing crucial information about drug traffickers, law enforcement agencies failed to take adequate action.

Among the vocal participants were District Planning Board Chairperson Lalit Saklani, youth leaders Deepak Kumar (AAP intellectual cell coordinator), Seema Rana (ward in-charge), Jatinder Singh Babbar, and village panchayat representatives. They emphasised the urgent need for police cooperation and protection for informers. Manju Rana, a resident of Phagwara, stated that eradicating drugs required an honest and uncompromising approach from the police, free from political interference.

Addressing the gathering, ADGP Yadav acknowledged the seriousness of the drug menace and reaffirmed Punjab Government’s commitment to its “War against Drugs” campaign. He assured attendees that the identities of informers would be kept confidential under the “Safe Punjab Tipline” initiative and urged citizens to report drug-related activities on the mobile phone number 97791-00200.

“There is a provision under Section 64-A of the NDPS Act, which ensures that no legal action is taken against drug addicts who voluntarily seek rehabilitation,” Yadav informed. He emphasised the need for public cooperation to achieve a drug-free Punjab.

In his address, SSP Gaurav Toora elaborated on the district’s ongoing anti-drug measures. He revealed that under the cordon and search operation initiated across Kapurthala, police have registered 37 FIRs, arrested 44 individuals and declared 10 persons as proclaimed offenders (POs). Additionally, assets worth Rs 4 crore linked to drug traffickers have been frozen, with further seizures worth Rs 3 crore in progress.

As part of a de-addiction initiative, Toora noted that 11 addict youths were admitted to rehabilitation centres last month under Section 64-A of the NDPS Act, ensuring they faced no legal consequences. He reiterated that the “Safe Punjab Tipline” is actively monitored and has already led to four registered cases.

Despite these assurances, attendees continued to press for greater accountability. They urged ADGP Yadav to identify and take strict action against officers supporting drug peddlers. Many also sought guarantees for the protection of informers who risk their safety by providing critical intelligence.

Yadav assured the public that their concerns would be addressed and that necessary steps would be taken to enhance trust between law enforcement and the community.

Following the event, ADGP Yadav, accompanied by SSP Toora and SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, visited Chhajh Colony in Phagwara. The officials engaged with local residents, gathering further insights and suggestions on the ongoing anti-drug campaign.

With Punjab’s fight against drugs at a crucial juncture, the success of such initiatives will depend on sustained police action and community cooperation. As public concern grows, law enforcement agencies face mounting pressure to deliver tangible results in their war against narcotics.