KATARIA REVIEWS ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS; DIRECTS CHANDIGARH POLICE TO TAKE STRICT ACTION AGAINST DRUG PEDDLERS

Face2News/Chandigarh 

The Governor of Punjab and Administrator, U.T. Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria,  accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor Shri Vivek Pratap Singh, today reviewed a meeting with Chandigarh Police to stop drug peddling and make Chandigarh a drug-free city.

The meeting was held at Chandigarh Police Headquarters in the presence of Secretary Home Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Director General of Police Dr. Sagar Preet Hooda, Inspector General of Police Shri Pushpendra Kumar, all SSPs/SPs, all DSPs and SHOs.

The Administrator said that the first priority should be to stop the supply and sale of drugs under the jurisdiction of Chandigarh. He directed the police to identify drug  suppliers, peddlers and areas where drugs are being sold or used and take strict action against them.

The DGP UT emphasised about strengthening the Anti-Narcotics Task  Force (ANTF) with more police personnel, cyber experts, legal experts and experienced officers.

Shri Kataria stressed the need to strengthen the beat system in the Police Stations to curb the menace of drug peddling in the city. Furthermore he emphasised on strict action against the drug peddlers and if any negligence is found on the part of any police officer then strict action to be taken against erring police personnel as well.

The Administrator also directed that medical stores should be monitored more closely to prevent medicines containing addictive or controlled substances from being sold without proper prescriptions. He suggested foot patrolling in vulnerable areas and surprise inspections to improve police presence and monitoring.

The meeting reviewed the current drug-related situation in Chandigarh. It was informed that several identified drug peddlers are already facing legal action, with many in judicial custody under the NDPS Act. Police have also identified new sources and 58
hotspots across the city where drug use or peddling has been reported and are keeping a close watch on these hotspot and activities of previously involved accused furthermore taking necessary action as per law.

Discussions were made regarding improving the system for citizens to report information about drugs. The DGP stated that a structured, confidential, and responsive system under the NDPS framework is being developed for encouraging the public to act
as the “Eyes and Ears” of the police by reporting drug-related activities or suspected drug peddlers.

The Administrator stressed that making Chandigarh drug-free will require strict police action, regular monitoring, rehabilitation of persons battling addiction and active support from families and society. He called for sustained and coordinated efforts to make Chandigarh a safe and drug-free city.