Devise strategies to rein in drug trafficking, UT DGP tells officers

Chandigarh: UT police chief has directed officers to follow specific protocols while arresting drug peddlers and registering NDPS cases. In an order issued on Feb 4, the DGP said that the proliferation of drugs presents a significant challenge to society, impacting public safety and fostering criminal behaviour.
To address drug trafficking, misuse, and circulation, it is essential to implement active strategies, including rigorous law enforcement, intelligence-driven actions, and public participation, he said.
The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PITNDPS Act) serves as an important legislative instrument in combating drug-related issues, he informed. This legislation permits authorities to hold suspects involved in drug trafficking without immediate court proceedings, thereby preventing continued unlawful activities.
This provision is crucial in dismantling drug syndicates, addressing persistent offenders, and maintaining stringent oversight of drug-related offenses, he said. The proper application of the Act can serve as a deterrent while safeguarding society and supporting efforts towards a drug-free environment, he said.
The DGP also said officers should gather credible evidence demonstrating the suspect's involvement in drug trafficking or repeated drug-related offenses. This could include surveillance, intelligence reports, or arrests.
Officers must present a preventive detention proposal with comprehensive documentation, emphasising the risk posed by the suspect, he said.
There should be no deficiencies in the proposal or cases benefiting the accused, he said. A thorough dossier documenting the accused's criminal activities, including previous offenses, arrests, and connections to organised drug networks, should be developed, he said, adding that officers should verify that all procedures align with the framework of PITNDPS Act.
The DGP also issued another order regarding the training of officers to tackle cybercrime. The order states that cybercrime training and modern facilities are essential for police officers to effectively tackle digital crimes.
Specialised training enhances their ability to investigate cyber fraud, online threats, and digital forensics, while advanced tools improve crime detection and evidence handling, the order states.
The DGP instructed SP/cybercrime to prepare a work plan outlining the facilities and technologies available in the cybercrime branch, including the Centre for Cyber Operations and Security (CENCOPS). SP cybercrime was told to organise regular training courses on a weekly basis for all graduate personnel of Chandigarh police, with priority given to staff engaged in investigations.
A coordination meeting should be organised for all SHOs and DSPs to provide them with an orientation course about CENCOPS, he said. Tasking of staff in CENCOPS should be done to ensure result-oriented work, he said, adding that performance appraisal of CENCOPS staff should be conducted on a weekly basis.