Wide publicity of the campaign needed to effectively curb drug peddlers and smugglers: Lt. Governor, Delhi

Vijay Gaur Bureau Chief - Delhi

Launch of pilot project for Drug Free Delhi The meeting held on this sensitive subject was graced by the presence of Lt. Governor of the capital Delhi, Chief Secretary Delhi, Commissioner of Police Delhi, Devesh Chandra Shrivastava IPS Special Commissioner of Police, Crime: Delhi

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah and Lt. Governor of Delhi, Delhi Police is strictly working on the policy of zero-tolerance against narcotics. It is committed to root out drug menace with the cooperation of all stakeholders and the general public. Continuing its campaign against illicit drug peddlers/suppliers active in Delhi, Delhi Police is not only seizing illicit narcotics and arresting drug peddlers on a daily basis but also dismantling the network of active peddlers by confiscating their properties and initiating preventive custody proceedings under the PITNDPS Act. It is notable that during the current year (up to 15.11.2024), Delhi Police has arrested 1520 narco-criminals in 1121 NDPS cases and recovered about 73.3 kg of Heroin/Smack, 1293.3 kg of Cocaine, 4257.3 kg of Ganja, 103.7 kg of Opium, 50.5 kg of Charas, 80.5 kg of Narcotics. Apart from this, Delhi Police is taking strict action against narco-criminals under PITNDPS Act and financial investigation under Section 68 NDPS Act. During the current year 2024 (up to 15/11/2024), detention orders were issued against 06 drug traffickers. In 01 case, the Screening Committee approved the proposal; however, detention order has not been issued by DoR, MoF yet. Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), Crime Branch and District Police are also preparing PITNDPS proposals against several other active drug traffickers. Financial investigations have been conducted against 34 narco offenders and confiscation orders of their properties worth ? 3,13,11,937/- were issued and 06 confiscation orders amounting to ? 2,94,74,557/- are under process.

The 9th State Level Committee meeting of NCORD was convened on 20th November 2024 at Delhi Secretariat under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Delhi. Subsequently, a review meeting was held on 26th November 2024 at 1100 hrs at Raj Niwas, Delhi under the Chairmanship of Lt. Governor, Delhi. The objective of this meeting was to review the decisions of the 9th State Level Committee and to discuss strategic measures to eliminate drug trafficking and abuse in Delhi. At the end of the meeting, the Lt Governor Delhi emphasized on inter-departmental coordination, timely reporting and strict compliance of the instructions. He stressed the need for concerted efforts to achieve the vision of “Nasha Mukt Delhi” within 03 years. The Lt Governor directed to launch a “one month comprehensive campaign as a pilot project” from 1st December 2024. This initiative is seen as a significant step towards making Delhi free from drug-related issues. The key activities of the campaign include: 1. Targeted locations for surveys, awareness programmes and raids: o 200 hostels, 200 schools, 50 colleges, 200 paan shops, 200 pharmacy shops, 200 bars/pubs/clubs/restaurants, all shelter homes, all railway stations, 03 ISBTs, and other public places. o Random checking of auto-rickshaw, taxi drivers, courier/parcel services and suppliers of e-commerce companies to prevent involvement in drug trafficking. 2. Collaboration with educational institutions: Involvement of hostel wardens, school principals and university administrators to prevent drug-related incidents in their campuses. 3. The Lt. Governor, Delhi also directed to give good cash rewards to the general public for providing information related to “Drug Trafficking” with assurance of anonymity. He emphasized on leveraging various platforms like print/visual media, social media, radio and DTC buses/public transport to create mass awareness. 4. Effective slogans for awareness and outreach programmes like: “Bharat ka hai abhiyan nasha mukt ho har insaan” ii. 1. Delhi of my dreams – Nasha Mukt Dilli” 2. “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life” 3. “Together we can stop drug abuse” These slogans will be widely disseminated through social media platforms, radio, television and newspapers. 4. Accountability and Coordination: • Collaboration with celebrities, influencers, NGOs and community leaders will help ensure that the message reaches all sections of society. • All departments have been directed to appoint a nodal officer of the level of Deputy Secretary or above with clearly defined responsibilities. • All stakeholders have to submit an Action Taken Report (ATR) by 5th January 2025 detailing the quantitative results of the campaign by December 2024. The Lt Governor also emphasised the need for wide publicity of the campaign to effectively curb drug peddlers and smugglers.

Devesh Chandra Shrivastava IPS Special Commissioner of Police, Crime: Delhi told Vijay Gaur Bureau Chief that the aim of this month-long pilot project is to protect the youth and children in Delhi from the drug menace. Although the focus is on taking strict action on the supply side (drug traffickers), an appeal has also been made to all sections of the society to create awareness and reduce the demand for drugs. Parents, family members and teachers are especially urged to identify the symptoms of drug abuse in children and take extraordinary measures to address the issue with a focus on reducing the demand. Everyone should make the youth aware of the serious consequences of drug addiction and prevent them from falling prey to this deadly evil. Devesh Chandra Shrivastava IPS informed that drug abuse is a serious problem which can have devastating consequences on the individual, family and society. Addiction can cause physical, mental and financial problems and even death to the person. Delhi Police is continuously making efforts to make Delhi drug free, in which everyone's cooperation is necessary. We urge everyone to join Delhi Police and other Government departments, NGOs etc. in this campaign to fight against drug abuse, so that we all can be successful in realising the dream of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon'ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.