Punjab govt to launch major crackdown on drugs, orders for rapid expansion of rehab facilities

Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], February 24 : The Punjab government has announced an intensive crackdown against drug abuse in the state, directing law enforcement agencies to initiate large-scale operations in the coming days.
To mitigate the distress that may arise among habitual drug users, district administrations have been instructed to ensure the availability of adequate rehabilitation and de-addiction facilities.
"The Punjab Government has decided to launch a massive war against drugs in the coming weeks through Law Enforcement Agencies. The action will start in the next few days," read the state department.
"This could cause distress amongst habitual users of drugs. To slowly wean them away from drugs, all DCs are hereby directed to ensure an adequate number of rehab and Drug De-addiction centres equipped with necessary equipment and medicines including Buprenorphine medicine, testing kits, required staff etc. Preparations should be done on a war footing and each DC should be ready in the next two days," added the statement.
The order further emphasizes, "Respective DC shall be personally responsible for ensuring this and any laxity in this regard shall invite strict disciplinary action. Entire exercise shall be personally monitored by the undersigned."
Apart from this, a senior IAS office has been asked to inspect all centres to review the preparation.
"Sandeep Kumar, IAS shall visit all centres during this period on behalf of the undersigned and report any deficiency directly," said the order.