Multi-Pronged Approach Needed To Destroy Entire Network Of Drug Mafia: CM Yogi Adityanath

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasised further improvement in vigilance and intelligence in sensitive districts and the same to be increased on the interstate and international borders

UP CM Yogi Adityanath said to step up vigil against drug mafia in the state

Source : PTI File Photo

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday addressed the issue of drug menace in the state and said a multi-pronged approach is needed to destroy the entire network of the drug mafia and rehabilitate addicts. Speaking at a meeting of the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) state level committee, the Chief Minister said the problem of drug trafficking was not confined to a state and is widespread, adding efforts to deal with it should also be integrated, reported PTI. 

He called upon all the forces involved in enforcement to unite and take action in this direction. 

Stressing upon the need to “intensify the campaign against illegal manufacture, purchase and sale of drugs and drug trafficking” in the state he asked officials to gather reliable information and make a better action plan and then, after careful planning, take decisive action.

"Whoever is found involved in such anti-social work, the strictest action should be taken against them including attachment of their properties. It is necessary to destroy the entire network of the drug mafia," he told the officials of central and state governments attending the meeting.

He also emphasised further improvement in vigilance and intelligence in sensitive districts and the same to be increased on the interstate and international borders. He also highlighted the need for stringent action against the drug mafia with better coordination. 

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has decided to set up a new zonal headquarters in Gorakhpur, he said.

"The state government should make available the necessary land, resources for the headquarters building. This effort of NCB will be our big ally in ending the illegal drug business in the state," he said. He stated that people involved in the illegal business of drug trafficking are the enemies of society.

"A zero tolerance policy should be adopted in such cases. It is necessary to hear NDPS cases in fast-track courts, so that criminals are punished expeditiously. Under the NDPS Act, special courts should be constituted in the districts with maximum pendency of cases. Necessary action should be taken in this regard at the government level," the chief minister said.

In August 2022, the state government had formed the Anti-Narcotics Task Force for well-planned and effective action against drug trafficking in the state. 

At present ANTF police stations have been established in Gorakhpur, Meerut and Barabanki while its five units are functional.

For the next phase, police stations in Jhansi, Saharanpur, and Ghazipur should also be made functional, he said. 

In 2020, more than 11,400 criminals were arrested, while in the years 2021 and 2022, 11,749 and 11,595 people were arrested respectively.

As many as 64 people have been arrested in 26 cases by ANTF alone, while illegal drugs worth Rs 27.43 crore have been seized, he said.