Zero-tolerance policy against drug trade: Arora

Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party state president Aman Arora issued a stern warning to drug traffickers asking them to “either quit the drug trade or leave Punjab”.

He emphasised that under the leadership of Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to eradicate drug trade through the ‘War against Drugs’ campaign.

Addressing the media after reviewing the progress of the anti-drug campaign at the District Administrative Complex here today, Arora said that the Punjab Government’s policy to eliminate drugs has shown positive results.

He said that while serious efforts are being made to curb narco-terrorism in Punjab, a three-tier strategy of enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation is being implemented to eliminate both the supply and demand for drugs.

He said that under the anti-drug campaign, from March 1 till now, 1,651 cases have been registered and 2,575 drug traffickers arrested. Besides, 1,322 kg of drugs has been seized and Rs 64.26 lakh recovered as drug money.

He made it clear that the “illegal houses built by drug traffickers with drug money under the political patronage of previous governments will be demolished.”

Arora said that being a border state, maintaining peace and harmony in Punjab was a top priority and exemplary action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt communal harmony.

Speaking about efforts to rehabilitate drug victims, Arora said that training in various trades is being provided by the Employment Bureau to make youth who have quit drugs self-employed.

Additionally, inmates in jails are also being skilled so they can contribute to society’s progress after completing their sentences.

He further mentioned that the scope of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan’, a sports initiative to promote sports culture at the grassroots level, is being expanded, with over 5.50 lakh children and youth set to participate this year.

He stated that efforts are underway to involve panchayats and social service organisations in the anti-drug campaign. He appealed to the public to support the Punjab Government’s anti-drug initiative so that working collectively, Punjab can be freed from this menace.

Responding to a question about increasing police personnel in police stations, the minister said that 10,000 police personnel will soon be deployed in the field. Additionally, 2,100 police personnel and officers are being recruited annually.

On the occasion, Arora also launched a helpline number, 98882-19247, prepared by the district administration, through which people can directly contact for skill development training.

A contingent of the Punjab Police presented a guard of honour to the minister.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting were MLA Raja Gill, Sajjan Singh Cheema, Joginder Singh Mann, Harsimran Singh Ghuman, Lalit Saklani, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, SSP Gaurav Toora and other officials.