‘Preparations done on war footing’: Punjab government announces big crackdown on drugs | India News

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab on Monday introduced the launch of “massive war against drugs” by establishing rehab and drug de-addiction centres within the state. The marketing campaign is ready to start within the coming days.
“Punjab Government has decided to launch a massive war against drugs in the coming weeks through Law Enforcement Agencies. The action will start in the next few days,” it mentioned in a press release.
IAS officer Sandeep Kumar has been assigned to examine the facilities and report any deficiencies on to larger authorities.

“This could cause distress amongst habitual users of drugs. In order to slowly wean them away from drugs, all DC’s are hereby directed to ensure adequate number of rehab and Drug De-addiction centres equipped with necessary equipment and medicines including Buprenorephine medicine, testing kits, required staff etc. Preparations should be done on a war footing and each DC should be ready in next two days,” the assertion additional learn.
DCs have been held personally accountable for guaranteeing readiness, with strict disciplinary motion warned in case of any lapses, it mentioned.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report launched final 12 months in December, Punjab reported the best variety of drug overdose deaths within the nation in 2023, with 144 instances. Rajasthan adopted with 117 deaths, whereas Madhya Pradesh recorded 74.