Punjab, January 23:
The responsibility of making Punjab drug-free lies heavily on the shoulders of the state’s police force. However, the recent drug test results from Tarn Taran police personnel have raised serious concerns, as it has come to light that some police officers themselves are allegedly involved in drug abuse. Based on information provided by SSP Abhimanyu Rana, drug tests were conducted on 27 police personnel, out of which 13 tested positive.
During a meeting held at the Tarn Taran Police Lines, SSP Abhimanyu Rana was informed of the disturbing issue of drug abuse within the police force. The list of officers included in the drug test largely comprised those with the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI). Dr. Surinder Singh, a medical officer at Tarn Taran Civil Hospital, along with lab technician Keval Singh and BTO Angrej Singh Sohal, conducted the tests by collecting urine samples from the officers. The test results, received later in the evening, shocked the police department, as 13 personnel were found to be positive for drug use. The police have now initiated steps to provide these officers with medical treatment.
Drug Smuggling Rampant in Border Areas
The issue of drug abuse has become especially prevalent in districts bordering Pakistan, such as Tarn Taran, where drug smuggling is widespread. Over the past three years, more than 40 families in the district have been devastated due to the impact of drugs.
Prominent drug smugglers operate in towns like Khem Karan, Khala, Bhikkiwind, Sarai Amanat Khan, and Nowshera Dhala, which lie along the international border. Drugs, including heroin, are frequently smuggled into Punjab through drones from across the border. DIG of Ferozepur Range, Ranjit Singh Dhillon, assured that the police are fully capable of tackling the drug menace in the region.
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