CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday suggested shortening of the border tenures for the BSF personnel to break their alleged nexus with drug smugglers in order to check cross-border smuggling of narcotics. The CM also called for geo-tagging of drug-affected villages to ensure their regular and proper monitoring. At the same time, Amarinder said, Wi-Fi enabled CCTVs at all ‘nakas’ (check-posts) at the borders would prevent smuggling of drugs.
He underlined the need for effective exchange of information with neighbouring states, as well as the central agencies, to coordinate the fight against drugs. Reviewing the government’s anti-drug campaign, Amarinder called for coordinated action against drugs, and said the decision to bring the Special Task Force under the purview of the Punjab Police was also necessitated by the same.
The Special Task Force would now work directly under the control of the Punjab DGP, he said, adding that the STF had done excellent work under his office but the need was felt to bring the agency under the leadership of the DGP for more cohesive functioning. There was a need for greater synchronisation to deal with other major crimes such as trafficking of women, terrorism, arms smuggling, and unauthorised travel agents duping the innocent people.
suggestions put forth at meet
■ CM directs cops to set up crack teams under SSPs, DSPs at headquarters to strengthen anti-drug fight.
■ Stressed laid on bolstering forensic labs to ensure proper and speedy testing of samples.