Senior police officers visit drug hotspots, interact with women
In a significant step toward consolidating Punjab’s efforts against drug abuse, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Jalandhar Range, Naveen Singla, along with Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), conducted a comprehensive field visit to several drug-sensitive villages (Drug hotspots) across the region, including Kingra, Sangran and Khanurra. The purpose of the visit was to assess the impact of ongoing anti-drug initiatives and to engage directly with local communities for honest and unfiltered feedback.
During the visit, the DIG Singla himself interacted with residents across various social and economic backgrounds, particularly focusing on areas that were once considered hotspots for narcotics activity. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive. Locals pointed to a dramatic reduction in drug abuse and related crimes, with some estimating a decline as steep as 90 to 95 per cent.
According to villagers, this remarkable turnaround was possible due to the Punjab Police’s sustained and uninterrupted crackdown on drug networks operating in the region.
DIG Singla said, “The visits are marked by open and candid discussions, where community members shared their experiences and acknowledged the police’s consistent presence and quick action in curbing drug-related activities. Many expressed relief at the restored sense of safety and community wellbeing. Women, especially those working under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), are particularly vocal. They shared personal stories about how drug addiction had torn families apart, and how its retreat has helped reunite and heal them.”
Women described how the absence of drugs improved not just the security of their villages, but also the overall economic and social environment. They said, “Children are returning to school. Young men are finding employment and families are beginning to rebuild what was lost to addiction.”
Several women emotionally expressed how they can now work in fields without fear, send their children out safely and live without the constant anxiety of violence or theft linked to drug abuse.
Beyond enforcement, the rehabilitation aspect of the police strategy also drew praise. Residents highlighted the positive role of awareness campaigns, de-addiction centres and support programmes that helped former addicts reintegrate into society. The dual focus on cracking down on offenders and uplifting victims had been key to the success of the campaign.
Speaking during the visit, DIG Naveen Singla stressed on the importance of community participation in sustaining the fight against drugs.
Jalandhar