Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Nawanshahr: DC Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa calls for robust action against drug trafficking
Parmod Bharti
Nawanshahr, June 25, 2024: Deputy Commissioner Navjot Pal Singh Randhawa has called for unwavering efforts to combat drug trafficking and eradicate drug abuse in SBS Nagar.
At a recent NCORD (National Coordination Center for Drug Abuse Control) meeting held at the District Administrative Complex in Nawanshahr, he emphasized the district's commitment to enforcing strict measures against drug smuggling.
The meeting was convened to disseminate the Chief Minister of Punjab's directive to completely eliminate drugs from the state. Key district officials attended, including SDM Nawanshahr Akshita Gupta, SDM Banga Vikramjit Singh Panthey, Good Governance Fellow Asmita Parmar, DSP Gurbinder Singh, Dr. Harpreet Singh, Dr. Rajan Shastri, Forest Division Officer Harbhajan Singh, Agriculture Officer Naresh Kataria and District Social Security Officer Rajkiran Kaur.
Deputy Commissioner Shri Randhawa highlighted the February 2021 Joint Action Plan "Ek Yudh Nashe Ke Khilaf," created by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
This plan is designed to prevent drug abuse among children. SBS Nagar has been recognized as the best performing district for its robust implementation of this plan, which includes a variety of activities aimed at preventing drug abuse among youth.
To strengthen the fight against drugs, the Deputy Commissioner directed immediate action. He instructed village sarpanches, numberdars, and ASHA and Aganwari workers to provide confidential reports on drug sellers in their localities.
These reports will be crucial for targeted actions. The Punjab government has begun confiscating the properties of apprehended drug dealers, reinforcing the message that drug smugglers will face severe consequences and the full weight of the law.
The district plans to launch a community movement with support from the police and other departments to dismantle drug supply chains and enforce legal action against traffickers.
Awareness camps will be organized to educate the youth about the severe consequences of drug use, encouraging community support to eliminate drugs from Punjab.
In May 2024, SBS Nagar's police department registered 15 cases related to drug trafficking, arrested 18 individuals involved in drug activities and seized 184 grams of heroin, 900 grams of Dode Chura (poppy husk), 85 injections, and drug money totaling Rs. 3,25,900.
Additionally, the district conducted 31 seminars to promote drug prevention, with 19 in schools and colleges and 12 in public spaces like taxi stands and truck unions. The police have also declared 35 villages as drug-free zones, working closely with local communities to maintain these statuses.
The health department operates 13 OAT (Opioid Assisted Treatment) centres and 5 de-addiction centres, providing essential support to those battling addiction. The District Social Security Department, in collaboration with other agencies, has rolled out the "Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan" campaign effectively.
This initiative will include a series of activities aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of drugs.
A dedicated helpline, NCORD Helpline No. 9988 30 3232, has been established. Residents are urged to use this number to report any drug-related activities confidentially. This helpline is a critical tool in our efforts to crack down on the supply and distribution of drugs in the district.