TSNAB targets educational institutions, film, IT industry, pubs, rave parties, resorts for drug free Telangana
Sandeep Shandilya emphasized the need for all stakeholders to understand their roles and prevent youth from falling into the drum menace in the State
HYDERABAD: Telangana State Anti-Narcotics Bureau (TSNAB) aims to combat the drug menace in Telangana by focusing on educational institutions, the film and IT industry, bars, pubs, rave parties, and resorts, said director Sandeep Shandilya on Sunday.
Sandeep Shandilya emphasized the need for all stakeholders to understand their roles and prevent youth from falling into the drum menace in the State during a review meeting.
TSNAB mandated principals of schools and colleges to establish Anti-Drug Committees, consisting of faculty, parents, students, NGOs, counselors, de-addiction experts, hostel wardens, and district administration.
The ADC should conduct regular meetings to identify individuals involved in or assisting in drug trafficking and consumption. He said teachers and student guardians should be made aware of the 'Tell Tale' indications of drug abuse.
The Committee should organize anti-drug events, seminars, orientation programs, counseling, awareness programs, education on drug effects, peer policing sessions, and reporting drug-related notices to authorities.
The committee is required to inform the local police if anyone is suspected of consuming, possessing, or selling Narcotic and Psychotropic drugs.
Colleges and educational institutions are tasked with implementing systems and checks to eradicate Narcotic Drugs from their premises, and any disregard will be deemed serious.
Sandeep Shandilya said that drug users would not be subjected to stigma, but would be enrolled in a de-addiction camp, undergo a urine test, and then released. He said that they plan to incorporate field/portable drug detection kits into their armoury and are actively seeking advanced equipment from global leaders.
Empty items like table tops, door handles, pockets, wallets, and handbags can be used to collect evidence for drug tests, detecting drugs in Nano Grams concentration.
He said, "Everything will be evidence-based; there will be no way that police can harass the innocent and no way that the high and mighty can escape the long arms of law. Our focus will be on the big mafia, drug traffickers, suppliers, and transporters, with rewards announced via GO for police personnel to claim. Every case will be investigated from end to end. The main suppliers, transport intermediaries, and users will all be roped in with incontrovertible evidence. We will hold meetings and maintain a strict watch over all courier companies, transport companies, bus services carrying parcels informally, maintain a strict vigil on social media, and car rental companies that give self-driven cars on rent."
He said the Telangana State Anti-Narcotics Bureau was aware of the sale of scheduled drugs being sold by medical shops without prescription and some factory premises being used for manufacture of drugs.
The bureau will maintain close collaboration with various departments, including drug control, education, social justice, the narcotics control bureau, revenue intelligence, the health department, and NGOs.
Suspect and history sheets will be opened and maintained by the concerned police stations on all drug offenders to monitor their activities constantly. Everyone must adhere to the rules and fulfill their duties and responsibilities properly, he added.
Juvenile Justice Act Sec.77: Stringent Action will be taken on person whoever gives, or causes to be given, to any child any intoxicating liquor or any narcotic drug or tobacco product psychotropic substance, except on the order of a duly qualified medical practitioner, shall be punishable with rigorous imprisonment
PITNDPS ACT : Prevention of illicit traffic in NDPS drugs and psychotropic substances act 1988. As per this act any person who is involved in NDPS cases can be detained for 2 years to prevent him from committing further offences.
Attachment of properties in NDPS case : As per the section 68 F of NDPS Act, the properties of accused persons and his relatives which are acquired by illegal means/ill-gotten gains of the drug trade will be frozen/forfeited.
Sandeep Shandilya emphasized the importance of working with responsible experts, parents, and institutional heads to achieve Drug Free Telangana, rather than destroying reputations.
Informant information on Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances can be reported to Helpline Number 8712671111 and Email ID tsnab-hyd@tspolcie.gov.in, which will be kept confidential and will be rewarded accordingly.