Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday upgraded the STF to ANTF and gave a clear message about the government's strict plan to crack down on drug trafficking and smugglers in the state. The Punjab government has formed the Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) to take action against drug smugglers. It has been formed by updating the already working Special Task Force (STF). CM Bhagwant Mann inaugurated it. At the same time, a chatbot number has been issued to give information or any information about drug smugglers. For this, people will have to call 9779.100200. The name of the informer will be kept confidential. The message will also be replied. Along with this, information will also be given about the action taken.
SITU established in Mohali
Task Force Intelligence and Technical Unit (SITU) has been established in Mohali by the police. A special team of experts is deployed there, which can keep an eye on the techniques from WhatsApp to whatever else the smugglers are using these days.
Apart from this, whatever information the teams get, it will be immediately shared with other teams. The effort behind this is to make Punjab drug-free.
Earlier, the government has started a project to install cameras in 6 border districts for Rs 40 crore as 553 km of the state's border is with Pakistan. At the same time, now weapons and drugs are coming from Pakistan through drones.
During this time, the focus of the cameras to be installed will be on the 500 km area adjoining the border. During this time, cameras are being installed at strategic points at a cost of Rs 20 crores. Mobility is being increased by 10 crores and infrastructure is being strengthened by 10 crores.
CM Mann said that earlier 4 hundred employees were working in the STF, which was taken from various districts. Now completely dedicated employees will be deployed for this force. 800 police personnel will be deployed in this force.
CM said that Rs 12 crore has been spent on this. 14 Mahindra Scorpios have been bought and given to the force. He said that this force will replace STF. Highly professional officers have been hired in it.
The CM further said that it cost Rs 90 lakhs to set up a special control room. Now criminals have become very high-tech. In such a situation, a decision has been taken in this direction.
He said that along with the security of our state, we also take care of the security of the country. 560 km area of Punjab is adjacent to the international border. In such a situation, it was necessary for us.