- MP Satnam Sandhu Raises Punjab Drugs Issue in Rajya Sabha: Total 1,25, 568 Kg Narcotics Were Seized In Punjab In 3 Years, Central Agencies Also Working To Wipeout The Menace, Replies MoS, MHA
- Nityanand Rai to MP Satnam Sandhu on drugs menace in Punjab: "Task force on Darknet and Cryptocurrency set up to monitor narco-trafficking"
- Anti-drone system installed at Indo-Pak border against menace of rogue drones-Nityanand Rai
- "Various drug law enforcement agencies like BSF, CRPF, DRI working exhaustively to wipe out drug menace in Punjab
- "Watercraft, Boats and Floating border outposts (BOPs) used to tackle narcotic trade to riverine area"
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 2, 2024: Rajya Sabha member Satnam Singh Sandhu raised the issue of drug menace in Punjab during the ongoing monsoon session in Rajya Sabha and urged the Centre Government to put in place requisite measures to counter the cross-border narcotics trade.
Raising the matter through an unstarred question during the ongoing parliament session, Sandhu asked the Union Home Ministry as to what steps were taken by it to counter the drug menace in Punjab.
In his question, he sought month-wise details regarding the seizure of drugs in Punjab in the last three years, requested to provide details regarding the steps being taken to check the smuggling of drugs in the state and sought information regarding the measures being taken by BSF to counter the cross-border narcotics trade in Punjab.
In a written reply, Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai said, “As per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data,37,364 kg of narcotics were seized in Punjab in the year 2020 out of which opium alone account for 36,271 kg and 977 kg were cannabis-based substances. Similarly, as much as 38,783 kg of narcotics substances were seized in the state in the year 2021 out of which 35,911 kg were opium-based drugs and 2781 kg were cannabis-based drugs. In the year 2022, as much as 49,421 kg of narcotic substances were seized out of which 46,502 kg alone accounted for opium-based drugs and 1836 kg were cannabis-based drugs.”
In response to another part of the question asked by MP Satnam Singh Sandhu regarding steps being taken to check the smuggling of drugs in Punjab, the Minister said, “A dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF)under Special DGP is acting as ANTF Chief in the state. Co-ordination and sharing of intelligence in real-time with various Drug Law EnforcementAgencies like the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF), Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Excise and Customs and of state agencies like Police and State Excise through various platforms such as LIA (Lead Intelligence Agency) SMAC(Subsidiary Multi Agency Centre), REIC (Regional Economic IntelligenceCouncil) are working exhaustively to wipe out the drug menace in the state.”
The Minister also highlighted that an Advisory Board on Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) matters has been constituted in Punjab.
“A task force on Darknet and Crypto-Currency has been set up under the multi Agency Centre (MAC) mechanism with a focus on monitoring all platforms facilitating Narco-trafficking, sharing of inputs on drug trafficking amongst agencies/MAC members, interception of drug networks, continuous capturing of trends, modus operandi and modes with regular database updates and review of related rules and laws. Border guarding forces including Border Security Force (BSF) have been empowered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985 to carry out search, seizure, and arrest for illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs international border,” added the Minister.
In response to another part of the question asked by MP Satnam Singh Sandhu regarding special measures taken by BSF on India-Pakistan border to curb the smuggling of drugs, MoS Rai said, “Detailed vulnerability mapping has been carried out along the India-Pakistan border to strengthen surveillance by deploying additional special surveillance equipment and vehicles. Effective domination of the borders by carrying out round-the-clock surveillance of the border patrolling, laying of nakas (check posts), and manning observation posts all along the IB. Installation of border flood lights along border security fence to light up the area during hours of darkness.”
On the technology used to tackle the narcotics trade, the Minister stated, “Use of watercraft, boats and floating Border Outposts (BOPs) for domination of riverine area of IB.
A strengthening of the intelligence (International) network and coordination with sister agencies has been put in place. Anti-Drone System has been installed at the India-Pakistan border against the menace of rogue drones from counterparts.
In response, Sandhu said, “It is quite pleasing to learn that the Ministry of Home Affairs is taking efficiently and aggressively to tackle the menace of drugs in Punjab. These steps also reflect the Union Government’s commitment towards the idea of ‘Nation First’. I believe that through collective efforts, we will soon be able to attain a drug-free Punjab.”