Illegal de-addiction centre raided at Samrai village, 103 rescued

In a major crackdown under the government's ongoing anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, the district and police administration have taken a firm action against an unauthorised drug de-addiction centre operating illegally at village Samrai on the Phagwara-Nakodar road.

Receiving information on the phone, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal directed the health and police departments to raid the facility, resulting in swift and effective action by the Jalandhar Commissionerate Police.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal said 103 individuals, who were unlawfully detained under the guise of treatment, have been rescued from the premises. The joint operation led by the health and police departments also uncovered a significant stock of scheduled drugs, including 67 packets of Alprazolam tablets and 100 packets of Panadol, totalling 2,005 tablets.

An FIR has been registered against the operators Sukhjeet Singh of Nakodar, Varinder Kumar of Hardofrala, Ashish Mehra of Ludhiana, Maninder Singh of Tarn Taran and Malkeet Singh of Bathinda. All accused have been taken into custody after failing to produce any authorisation or documents supporting the legal operation of the centre or the possession of such prohibited drugs in bulk quantity.

Dr Aggarwal stated that after being rescued, all individuals were shifted to the Jalandhar Civil Hospital for proper treatment at Government De-Addiction Centre. He reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, adding that the district administration remains committed to uprooting the drug menace with full force.

Under the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' initiative, the administration is not only taking strict action against illegal centres, but also focusing on rehabilitating drug-affected individuals. He also stated that the continuous monitoring to be held across the district to curb operation of illegal drug de-addiction centres in the district. The DC urged the public to utilize the district’s de-addiction helpline (0181-2911960) for assistance or information.

Further, residents have been encouraged to report any drug-related activity to the government’s dedicated WhatsApp helpline (9779-100-200). Dr Aggarwal said all information will be kept confidential.

Commissioner of Police Dhanpreet Kaur said no one will be allowed to take law in their hands, therefore, stern action to be ensured against those involved in illegal activities.

Earlier this month, the Jalandhar administration had successfully rescued over 34 youths from an illegal de-addiction centre in Jamsher, under the same campaign.