Punjab CM seeks cooperation of counterparts in controlling drug menace

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh sought the cooperation of his counterparts in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan to end the drug menace in Punjab.

The Chief Minister also sought the assistance of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, to whom Delhi Police reports, to control the cultivation and smuggling of narcotics and to ensure that no safe havens are allowed to drug peddlers and smugglers in the state.

Earlier, Singh had announced free treatment for poor drug addicts at all state-run de-addiction centres.

Following a meeting with civil surgeons, medical superintendents and principals of the government medical colleges, the Chief Minister had ordered the police not to harass addicts or their families in any way, read a statement.

He had even directed to ensure that necessary funds for free treatment are immediately placed at the disposal of the concerned deputy commissioners.

Amarinder Singh had said that he would sanction funds from the chief minister's relief fund if needed. He even directed the state health department to explore the possibility of seeking financial aid from reputed national and international health organisations, besides engaging with the NGOs already working to fight drug abuse.