हिंदी
No leniency towards drug-smugglers and drugs, assures SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu
Deputy Commissioner and SSP preside over meeting to launch “decisive war against drugs”
Ferozepur, March 1, 2025
To formulate a foolproof strategy for a “Decisive War Against Drugs” in Ferozepur district and take all possible measures to make the district drug-free, a marathon meeting was held under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma and SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu.
During the meeting with civil and police officials here at the District Administrative Complex, the Deputy Commissioner stressed for the exemplary action against drug traffickers, stating that the foolproof strategy has been formulated to transform the anti-drug campaign into a people movement. She said that necessary steps will soon be taken to make the district drug-free, adding that within the next three months, every strict measure will be taken to make Ferozepur district drug-free. The state government is already making concrete efforts to channel the immense energy of youth in a positive direction, she added.
Instructing exemplary action against those involved in drug trafficking and promotion, the Deputy Commissioner said that property of those guilty of drug trafficking would be seized with immediate effect and in cases pertaining to the drug recovery, illegal properties would be fully demolished. She directed that after identification, firearms licenses of drug traffickers should be cancelled within 48 hours.
The Deputy Commissioner instructed that all SDMs and DSPs of the district would work as a team and be responsible for overall arrangements at OOAT centers, de-addiction centers and rehabilitation centers in their jurisdictions, including food, facilities, counseling and security. She said that in the event of a drug patient’s death, the concerned team would ensure preparation of a case regarding the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund within 48 hours and send it to the district administration. She directed the creation of a schedule of activities for March, saying that cycling rallies, seminars, marathons and sports programs should be organized in each sub-division to engage youth and create awareness about staying away from drugs. She also asked for programs to be prepared in coordination with the BSF for various activities, mentioning that a reporting center would be established at the district level to collect comprehensive information regarding the war against drugs.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the Civil Surgeon to visit OOAT, de-addiction and rehabilitation centers daily and make necessary arrangements. She said these centers should be equipped with required human resources (psychiatrists and counselors), testing kits, medicines, security (security staff/CCTV), cleanliness and other infrastructure. She also instructed drug inspectors to ensure continuous checking of chemist shops. Providing guidelines for spreading awareness against drugs, Mrs. Deepshikha Sharma said sports programs and skill development programs should be conducted in rehabilitation centers to engage drug patients in these activities. She also instructed to organize monthly public outreach programs in the form of public meetings, camps, seminars, cycle rallies, human chains, sports events and skill development programs.
Mrs. Deepshikha Sharma instructed the District Education Officer (Secondary) to prepare various awareness programs in all schools and colleges, saying that lists of school dropouts should be prepared and steps taken to encourage them to return to school. She said efforts should be made to involve students from schools and colleges in the war against drugs through various programs. She suggested that a message and video based on the de-addiction campaign should be created and circulated during daily assembly. She also gave instructions to run the buddy program separately.
While addressing the meeting, SSP Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said that Punjab Police would maintain its glorious tradition and make the district completely drug-free with the active cooperation of the general public. He said that Punjab Police has a long and illustrious history of dealing with various challenges to maintain law and order. Assuring full support and cooperation to the civil administration, the SSP said necessary steps should be taken to prevent drugs in schools and colleges so that youth do not fall into their trap. Advocating for completely breaking the drug supply line and putting drug dealers behind bars, he said that the district police would also ensure that drug traffickers and criminals are dealt with strictly.
Mr. Sidhu stressed for identifying drug hotspots thoroughly, saying that cordon and search operations (CASO) would be conducted every fortnight in each affected area and weekly in jails, with extensive and strict campaigns operating day and night in affected areas.
Prominent amongst others who were present in the meeting included SDM Zira Gurmeet Singh, SDM Guruharsahai Divya P, Assistant Commissioner Simarnjit Singh, SPD Manjit Singh, DSP Sukhwinder Singh, Civil Surgeon Dr. Rajwinder Kaur, District Development and Panchayat Officer Harjinder Singh, District Education Officer (Secondary) Munila Arora, District Education Officer (Elementary) Sunita Rani, and all Block Development and Panchayat Officers of the district.
