Inter-state DGP meet on drug smuggling

Phagwara, Sep 3 (UNI) To check the increasing menace of inter-state drug smuggling, a joint meeting of Director Generals of Police of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan will be held in Bhatinda on September 7 to draw an effective strategy against narco-trafficking.

The Punjab police was keeping a strict vigil on such activities and was in constant touch with neighouring states, Director General of Police, Punjab, S Virk said in an exclusive interview with UNI at the Punjab Police Academy, Phillaur today.

The drive had resulted in an increase in arrests of those involved in drug smuggling and a large amount of the contraband narcotics recovery, specially of opium, heroin and poppy husk, he said.

Replying to a question about the preparations for the coming assembly elections, the DGP said that the police will make all necessary and transparent arrangements for the elections and an elaborate poll strategy was being finalised after detailed discussions with the Election Commission.

The Punjab Police was actively working to curb crimes by initiating a state-wide campaign against criminals but death in police custody would not be tolerated at any cost, he stressed.

The DGP said a five-point circular has been sent to all SSPs in the state which strictly instructs that brutal violence must be shunned in police stations, innocents should not be harassed, duty must be performed fearlessly without any political or financial pressure, citizens must be shown due regard in police stations and anti-social elements should be booked firmly with uniform application of punishments for all.

Replying to a question, DGP Virk said the Punjab Police was also active in curbing organised crimes like hawala, sale of contraband drugs, land grabbing, smuggling and bogus travel agents.

The DGP said the Punjab police was also actively working to check cyber crime.

About the number of police personnel in Punjab, the DGP said the present strength of 70,000-odd personnel would soon be increased as many promotions were being made at different posts.

The DGP said that 44 DSPs have been promoted as SPs, 105 Inspectors to DSPs, 100 Sub Inspectors to Inspectors in the Punjab Police.

UNI XC JN PB BST1824