Chandigarh/Panaji: The Narcotics Control
Bureau is launching a special drive to check use of drugs and
other abusive substances during the upcoming assembly polls
especially in Punjab and Goa.
Official sources said the NCB has worked out a special
plan to keep an eye on smuggling of narcotics to the
poll-bound states.
Surveillance has been increased and focus in on human
intelligence. NCB has already held meetings with the police of
neighbouring states to check transportation of narcotics
and other abusive substances.
Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi had recently held
a meeting with Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau
(NCB) O P S Malik for establishing effective mechanism to
check use of narcotics during the polls.
During the meeting, the CEC told NCB to take effective
steps to check use of opium and narcotics, especially in
Punjab and Goa, during the polls.
It also sought stepping up surveillance and sanitising of
borders to curb smuggling of drugs and narcotics. This issue
was brought to the notice of EC by various political parties.
Sources said while in other states, liquor plays a
"major role" during elections, in Punjab the scene is
different as narcotics take centre stage.
The fear was highlighted by state's Chief Electoral
Officer Kusumjit Sidhu.
"The Commission had received several complaints from
different parties fearing misuse of drugs, liquor and money
during the polls. The DGP also sent us a report in this
regard, which we have forwarded to the EC. We have asked every
district to have a plan to check this abuse...," he had said
recently in a press conference.
According to officials, drug use in Punjab is quite high.
During elections, the movement of opium and other such drugs
increases.
Punjab has also become a big transit point for narcotics
smuggled in from across the border.
The NCB and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have
busted several clandestine deliveries of narcotics in the
past.
The drugs are usually pushed to New Delhi from Punjab.
From the national capital, the drugs are routed to various
other points, especially to foreign destinations.
Drug cartels are active in Goa too, largely because of it
being a tourist destination.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, December 28, 2011, 15:14