CM Bhagwant Mann bats for more stringent laws; wants tech to check cross-border movement of drones

He said that since 2019, a total 491 drone sightings have been recorded in Punjab and 51 drones have been either neutralised or recovered.

In the meeting, attended by the chief ministers and police chiefs of several states, Mann apprised Shah of his government’s action against drugs and smugglers and said Punjab is the first state to constitute a special task force to effectively implement laws against drug trafficking, apprehend traffickers and disrupt the supply chain.

He said his government has adopted a three-pronged strategy of enforcement-de addiction-prevention (EDP) against the menace of drugs. It comprises the enforcement of laws against drug trafficking, de-addiction of victims of drug abuse and prevention through the protection of vulnerable sections, students, youths and the general public.

Mann said that specialised anti-narcotics cells and special designated courts have been set up in each district for speedy trial of NDPS Act cases. A forensic science laboratory has been set up at Mohali and three regional FSLs at Ludhiana, Bathinda and Amritsar for testing of drugs.

The CM said his government has allotted a plot measuring 2,000 square yards to the Narcotics Control Bureau and approved 2.50 acres of land in Amritsar for the construction of a regional office, zonal residential centre and a dedicated narco-forensic science laboratory. He also sought access to the customs database so that suspected containers coming from other countries are scrutinised.

He also batted for the reduction of the commercial quantity of heroin from the existing 250 grams to 25 grams to check peddling at the intermediate level. He said that head constable rank police personnel be empowered to probe ‘small quantity’ recoveries. He also sought that existing property confiscation limit of six years be removed by amending section 68-C(2) of NDPS act.

The Union government must liberally allocate funds to states and Union territories for capacity building of the FSLs, Mann said, adding that this will help states wipe out the menace of drugs.

He said around 1,000 kg of heroin, 56 hand grenades, 126 pistols and revolvers, 11 AK-47 and other rifles and 9.5 kg of RDX have been seized from drone-based deliveries till May 16 this year.

After assuming charge of the office, his government adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs and from April 1, 2022, till July 13 this year, 16,554 cases have been registered under the NDPS Act and 22,349 smugglers have been arrested, he said, adding properties worth Rs 26.72 crore have been attached.

Mann further said that as part of Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act 1988, an advisory board has been constituted. He said conviction Rate in NDPS Act cases in Punjab during 2022 was 80 per cent, which is highest in the Country.