Police tighten noose around drug smugglers in rural belt

In a determined effort to eliminate the drug menace from the region, Phagwara Police, led by Superintendent of Police Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, has launched a large-scale drive aimed at tackling drug abuse and trafficking.

Senior Superintendent of Police Gaurav Toora told The Tribune that officers have begun inspecting drug de-addiction centres, with SP Bhatti and DSP Bharat Bhushan personally visiting several facilities. In addition, a police team led by SHO City Gaurav Dhir, along with Drugs Inspector Anupam Kalia, conducted inspections of chemist shops to ensure compliance with regulations.

To further strengthen the initiative, SSP Toora confirmed that a series of meetings have commenced with chemists’ associations, doctors and school heads to accelerate the awareness campaign. The goal is to engage all stakeholders in the community to fight the drug problem collectively.

In a determined move to combat the growing threat of drug abuse and trafficking, the Phagwara Police has launched an intensified campaign combining enforcement, public engagement, and rehabilitation support.

The campaign commenced with a series of inspections at drug de-addiction centres and chemist shops across the region. Phagwara SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti, accompanied by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Bharat Bhushan, visited several de-addiction facilities to assess conditions and ensure compliance with health and safety norms.

Simultaneously, a team led by SHO City Gaurav Dhir and Drugs Inspector Anupam Kalia conducted thorough checks at multiple chemist shops to monitor the sale of prescription drugs and prevent the unlawful distribution of controlled substances.

SSP Gaurav Toora, speaking to The Tribune, emphasised that the campaign is not limited to arrests alone. He stated that police officers are also holding meetings with chemists, doctors, and school heads to spread awareness and build a collective approach against drug misuse. The aim is to create a sustainable, long-term impact through both enforcement and education.

While enforcement remains a strong pillar of the campaign, the Phagwara Police have made community outreach a central component of their strategy. An anti-drug awareness drive was held in a rural village under the supervision of SHO Rawalpindi Major Singh. The campaign aimed to educate villagers about the dangers of drug addiction and encouraged them to share any information about drug smuggling or peddling in their locality. Residents were assured that any tip-offs would be handled with complete confidentiality.

Addressing the community during the campaign, SP Bhatti underlined that the police are not only cracking down on offenders but are also extending a helping hand to those who wish to escape the grip of addiction. She encouraged affected individuals to reach out for support, assuring that they would be connected with credible de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. “If someone is battling addiction and sincerely wants to change, the police will help them. Our approach is tough on traffickers but compassionate toward victims,” she said.

The campaign also included the collection of feedback from villagers regarding the effectiveness of police initiatives. These inputs are expected to inform the next phase of the anti-drug strategy. The initiative was met with a positive response, as many residents expressed appreciation for the proactive and people-friendly approach of the police.

Jalandhar