Punjab CM seeks help of neighbouring states to curb drug menace

Chandgarh, July 19: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has sought cooperation from the administrations of neighbouring states - Haryana, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh - to curb the drug menace in the states. Singh has also asked the Delhi Police, under the Union Home Ministry, to extend help to control cultivation and smuggling of narcotics.

The Punjab CM has said that in order to curb the menace, no safe havens should be allowed to drug peddlers and smugglers.

Taking note of recent 'spurt in drugs related deaths', Amarinder Singh had earlier this month said that a committee has been formed to look into the matter. Singh had ordered a probe into the recent spate of drug-related deaths in the state and directed officials to take action against the culprits.

Under fire from Opposition over the deaths in several parts of Punjab due to alleged drug overdose and adulterated narcotics, the Punjab cabinet had on July 2 decided to recommend death penalty for drug peddlers to the Centre.

The Punjab CM had said that his government would soon bring in a law to award death penalty to those involved in drug peddling or smuggling activities. Singh said that a recommendation to bring in such a legislation has been forwarded to the Union Government.