Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Sep 8: DGP-IG Praveen Sood on Tuesday September 8 called upon people to work collectively to curb drug menace in the state, and emphasized that no one involved in drug abuse would be spared.
Addressing a press meet at the city police commissionerate here, Sood said, "I have come to Mangaluru for a reveiew meeting. We are in COVID situation where normal routine has come to a halt, but at the same time police work is simultaneously going on. During this time, constables, superintendent of police (SP), and commissioner have worked reallly hard and saved the lives of people. I congratulate them on doing such difficult work.
"Instead of following the old style of work, technology should be used effectively. Today everything is online, starting from producing a suspect before the court. In the coming days evidence can be collected through video conference. There was a need to prepare the police force and inspire them to make effective use of technology," he said.
Regarding curbing drug menace in the state, he said, "Steps to curb drug menace have started long back, but these days a lot of action is being taken, which is a good sign. More arrests may happen soon, which will break the supply chain. I assure you that in the coming days we will have it under complete control.
"NDPS Act is very strict and at the same time police are being trained on how to investigate, raid, record statement etc. These procedures will be carried out to ensure strict enforcement of law.
"Synthetic drugs are more important than ganja. There is no such thing as 'high-profile' in this case - in the eyes of the law all are equal and are drug peddlers," referring to some of the celebrities who have been caught in the drugs scandal involving Sandalwood actors.
"Drug peddlers can be arrested by the police, but all should collectively take action to curb consumption of drugs. It is the responsibility of parents, NGOs, media, educational institutions who need to work together," Sood urged.
"Foriegn nationals who overstay after their visa or passport expires get into drugs, cyber crimes and prostitution. We will invesitgate the drug menace from all angles and no one will be spared.
"Handling consumption and dealers require different standards. A person may consume unknowingly and get addicted, but a dealer's intentions are clear," he added.
He also said that crimes, accidents and dowry cases have come down drastically during the lockdown.