The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab Government is intensifying its battle against drug abuse, taking a decisive step toward making the state drug-free. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is set to unveil a comprehensive anti-narcotics action plan on Wednesday, which includes the launch of a dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and a WhatsApp helpline aimed at eradicating the drug menace from Punjab.

The newly constituted Anti-Narcotics Task Force, modeled after the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), is designed to target and dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the State. The Chief Minister will inaugurate the ANTF’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Mohali at 11 am, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing campaign against drugs. The event will also see the introduction of a WhatsApp number, allowing citizens to report drug-related activities directly to the authorities.

A senior Punjab police official, who did not wish to be named, told The Pioneer, “Under this new phase of state’s anti-drug campaign, the introduction of ANTF and WhatsApp helpline represents a proactive and innovative approach to tackle the drug crisis. Citizens are encouraged to use the WhatsApp number to report any suspicious drug-related activities in their areas, enabling the police to respond promptly and effectively.”

In response to the escalating drug crisis, the Punjab Government has constructed a new ANTF building equipped with advanced technological infrastructure. The facility houses a cutting-edge computer lab that will enable real-time monitoring of drug trafficking activities. With the latest software and surveillance tools, the task force will keep a close watch on suspected drug networks, ensuring that the fight against narcotics is both relentless and effective.

The government’s decision to bolster its anti-drug strategy comes at a time when drug trafficking has become a pervasive issue, not just domestically, but also across borders. With drug supplies increasingly being sourced from neighboring countries like Pakistan, the ANTF will play a crucial role in safeguarding Punjab’s borders and preventing the influx of illicit substances.

In addition to the ANTF’s new headquarters, the Punjab Government has initiated a surveillance project in six border districts, investing Rs 40 crore in the installation of high-tech cameras. Given that Punjab shares a 553-kilometer border with Pakistan, these cameras are strategically positioned within a five-kilometer radius of the border to monitor and intercept any illegal activities, including the smuggling of drugs and arms via drones.

The project, which also includes enhancing mobility and strengthening infrastructure with an additional Rs 20 crore, represented a multifaceted approach to combat the drug trade.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has also taken a firm stance against drug traffickers, demanding that the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) submit a detailed report on all pending NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases where suspects have not been apprehended within six months. The court has issued clear directives that drug traffickers must be arrested immediately after a case is registered. If they evade capture, they should be declared Proclaimed Offenders (POs), and their properties should be attached.

In response to the surge in cross-border drug trafficking and arms smuggling fueled by drones, the Border Security Force (BSF) has recently demanded two additional battalions to bolster its efforts along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. The push came amidst a marked increase in drone activity, with over 120 drones intercepted this year alone, compared to 107 in all of 2023. Currently, the BSF has 20 battalions deployed along the 500-kilometre border, with two dedicated to critical security roles at the Attari check post and the Kartarpur corridor. The proposed battalion, comprising about 800-900 personnel, aimed at enhancing surveillance and counter-drone capabilities. With the majority of drugs now arriving via drones, the BSF is also focusing on improving intelligence operations and community engagement. The force is innovating patrol methods and constructing infrastructure, such as culverts over rivers, to prevent illegal crossings and smuggling.