Pubdate: Sat, 04 Aug 2012
Source: Hindustan Times (India)
Copyright: 2012, Hindustan Times Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.hindustantimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/910
Author: Tarsem Singh Deogan

PUNJAB ON A DRUG HIGH: DGP SAINI

Now, Punjab doesn't just deal in synthetic drugs such as heroin, but
residents have also started consuming them. The drug menace has
reached an alarming situation in Punjab and the police are concerned
about it. What is more concerning is that the youth is falling in its
prey. Top officials of

Punjab are studying the pattern thoroughly, Punjab DGP Sumedh Singh
Saini said on a visit to Ludhiana on Saturday.

He said this in a meeting with local police officials. He addressed
mediapersons before the meeting. He said drug peddlers allegedly lure
people especially the youth by offering them free-of-cost drugs. "Once
the youth tastes it, they develop a habit to consume drugs. The Punjab
police have recovered drugs in huge quantity in the past few months.
This indicates that there is a rapid trade of drugs in the state," he
added.

To curb the drug menace and to deter terrorist activities, the Punjab
police have to strengthen the dog squad. The police have added more
sniffer dogs, who would help the police curb drug menace and terrorist
activities.

"Punjab is growing and the cities are developing overnight. Ludhiana
is an industrial state and growing rapidly. To improve policing in big
cities such as Ludhiana, the department has provided infrastructure
and force," said the DGP.

"The Ludhiana police commissionerate has been provided with 10 more
fully equipped patrolling SUVs and 35 new PCR motorcycles. The PCR
staff has been provided with personnel from the India Reserve
Battalion (IRB)," he added.

The DGP showed concern regarding HIV + police officials. He said it
was a serious issue and social reforms would soon be introduced for
police personnel. Police commissioner Ishwar Singh said to curb
drinking and driving, the police have procured 10 more alcometers. The
police already had five alcometers.

DGP Saini said to supervise traffic and to maintain law and order
situation in the city, the Punjab police would install CCTV cameras at
public places and sensitive points. The control of the CCTVs would be
in the local police control room, which would improve the efficiency
of the police.
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