War on drugs: Telangana to create separate anti-narcotics police; train officers like Scotland Yard

Hyderabad: Telangana government has decided to create a separate anti-narcotics wing in the police to effectively wage a war against drugs in the state. Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao instructed DGP Mahender Reddy to form a team of 1000 specially trained personnel and constitute a Counter Intelligence Cell.

"Special wings were created to curb anti-social elements in the state. Particularly Greyhounds are working effectively. The Anti-Narcotics wing should also work with efficiency. For those police officials who demonstrate exemplary skills, they should be given awards, rewards, promotions, and auxiliary promotions. The government will provide all required funds," he said.

The CM said Telangana state police should be trained on the lines of the Scotland Yard to fight the drug menace. "If need be, senior police officers should visit the Scotland Yard and other countries. Punjab police personnel should be invited to train our men. The government is ready to spend any amount and create facilities," he said.

KCR exhorted police and excise officials to make narcotics control a social responsibility. "It is only then possible to eliminate the use of narcotics in the state," he said. Chief Minister was speaking at a conference to chalk out a strategy to eradicate the use of Ganja and other narcotic substances in the state. Senior police and excise officials participated in the conference.

"Narcotics use has become a dangerous phenomenon worldwide. It is fast spreading and eating the vitals of society. Massive awareness programmes should be held to educate masses about the ill-effects of drug use," he said.

The CM asked police to take strict action against the accused no matter how high and mighty they might be. "Even if the accused belongs to any political party, he or she should not be spared. No request from any public representatives should be entertained," he said.

The CM suggested a two-pronged strategy to combat the drug menace. "An action plan should be chalked out to deaddict the people hooked to drugs. Plus those people should be identified who are getting attracted to the drugs. Drug supply network should be identified and smashed," he said. The CM said Telangana should become a role model in curbing the menace.

"Telangana state is fast moving towards progress and development. The use of Ganja, Cocaine, and LSD is still in the primary stage. If it is not nipped in the bud, it would destroy the entire process. We are working in several capacities. Several studies have pointed out that youth are getting attracted to banned drugs. Parents should keep an eye on their children. What is the point in accumulating huge wealth if our children are getting hooked to drugs," he said

KCR said foolproof cases should be prepared so that the accused will not get bail. The CM instructed the CS to take measures and create facilities for the police officers to enable them to tighten noose around criminals. The CM instructed the DGP to take smash drug peddlers, particularly those hailing from Nigeria. He wanted foreigners identified and deported to their countries.

KCR instructed the Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda Police Commissioners to root out the evil in their jurisdictions. "There should be coordination between the police and excise department. All the drug-controlled agencies should be strengthened," he said.

The CM reacted industries involved in the manufacture and supply of the illegal substances should be shut down immediately. He said licenses of the pubs and bars found involved in the drug menace should be canceled.

"Work should be done without any laxity. Stringent measures should be taken against the delinquent officials. Excise employees involved in bribery would not be spared," he said.