Deputy Commissioner Akash Bansal on Tuesday reviewed the anti-drug campaign in Kapurthala district and ordered Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and other officials to intensify efforts by ensuring active participation of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) across all villages. He reiterated that the district administration would extend full support to these committees in eliminating the drug menace.
Review Meeting and Coordination Directives
Chairing a review meeting at the District Administrative Complex, Bansal stressed that close coordination among all departments, coupled with sustained public awareness, is essential to achieving a drug-free society. He instructed civil and police officials in all subdivisions to hold regular meetings with VDCs to implement the anti-drug campaign effectively at the grassroots level.
Appealing to panchayats and VDC members, Bansal urged them to promptly share any information related to drug trafficking or substance abuse with the police or civil administration. He assured that informants' identities would be kept strictly confidential and that immediate action would be taken on credible inputs.
Progress and Surveillance Measures
Highlighting progress, the Deputy Commissioner said 280 villages in the district have been verified as free from drug sales. Strict surveillance is being maintained in identified drug-sale hotspots, and CCTV cameras will soon be installed in these areas to strengthen monitoring and curb illegal activities.
Reviewing the district's de-addiction centre, Bansal directed the Health Department to increase the number of beds to accommodate more patients. He also instructed officials to monitor the sale of intoxicating liquid substances marketed as “energy drinks” to children and ordered stringent action against such products, especially within a 500-metre radius of schools.
Enforcement and Sensitization
The Deputy Commissioner further directed the Deputy Medical Commissioner to convene meetings with chemist associations to sensitize them against selling narcotic or prohibited medicines. He emphasized that active participation of every stakeholder is crucial for the campaign's success.
SP (Headquarters) Gurpreet Singh Gill informed the meeting that the district police have registered 115 cases under the anti-drug campaign and demolished properties belonging to 13 drug traffickers. He directed DSPs and Station House Officers (SHOs) to maintain regular coordination with panchayats and VDCs while continuing awareness programmes on the harmful effects of drug abuse. He also urged committee members to immediately inform the police if threatened or intimidated by drug smugglers.
Helpline and Public Appeal
The Deputy Commissioner appealed to residents to seek assistance or report drug-related information through the district administration's helpline at 01822-233777.
