‘Will Root Out Drug Menace in State during My Tenure’- Director General and Inspector General of Police (G & IGP) Praveen Sood from Bengaluru, spoke in Mangaluru while interacting with the media
Mangaluru: There was a slight confusion in the schedule of Director General and Inspector General of Police (DGP-IGP) Praveen Sood, after his arrival from Bengaluru to interact with District Police Officials and Media- earlier plans of His was to have the programme first in Mangaluru, but at the last minute, He travelled to Udupi first to meet the officials and media- and the Mangaluru programme was scheduled between 7 pm-7.30 pm, with no exact time- therefore a few media personnel missed the chance since IGP addressed the gathering at Mangaluru Police Commissioner’s Office lobby a bit earlier.
Addressing the police officials and media DG and IGP Praveen Sood said, “Extremely sorry for the mixed up in my schedule, and for making you all wait all day long since I switched my earlier plans of meeting you in Mangaluru first, however, had to go to Udupi. First of all, I compliment the police force for handling various issues on crime, drug menace and other illegal activities amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Many police personnel were affected by this virus, while on duty, and luckily all are safe. Even though we are stuck under COVID-19 pandemic, which interferes with our daily work, we can’t stop our duties in handling the crimes, illegal activities due to lockdown/pandemic. We commend the local police force, including Police Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, ACP/DCP, senior Police, and constables- who all have done their best in discharging their duties, in saving the lives of the people.
He further said, “Among the other crimes and illegal activities we are handling, our main focus is on curbing the increasing drug menace that is going on in the state, especially in Bengaluru and Mangaluru. I request the support of people to work with the law enforcement officials in order to curb drug dealing in Karnataka. I assure you that I will root out the drug menace in the state during my tenure, and will see that those involved in drug activities are severely punished, no matter what. And my meeting in Mangaluru is especially to review the drug menace that’s going on in Mangaluru and surrounding areas. There is a zero-tolerance for drug menace in the state, and investigating officers have been given a ‘freehand’ to handle any cases pertaining to narcotics/drugs/ganja”
“I hope our police officials will put in extra effort to see that no supply of drugs takes place in the State. New technology will be used to crack down on such drug activities, and the police personnel will be trained thoroughly on the new high tech, so these cases are solved effectively in the Court, including the evidence grabbed through video Conference. With the increase of drug activities going on recently, I am happy that police have cracked down on many peddlers, and many will be snatched to end this drug dealing. Following the directions from Chief Minister and home minister, our department will extend its anti-drug drive across the state, including Mangaluru” added Sood.
He further said, “Drug menace is not only in Bengaluru, but also in Mangaluru, and we have also launched extensive searches in Belagavi, Hubballi and Chitradurga, where drugs are shipped through. Even though education institutions were shut during Covid-19 lockdown, the supply of narcotic substances has still continued without any hindrance. We are stepping up our efforts in controlling the drug activities, since the ‘Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, (NDPS Act), is very strict, and therefore the police force will be trained well in handling raids, investigations, recording statements from culprits etc, which will help us solve the cases in the Court systematically and effectively”.
“When we deal with people involved in drug activities, we will not look into i ‘high-profile’ or ‘low-profile’, in such cases, since the law is equal for everyone-No excuses, whatsoever, including the Sandalwood celebrities who have been booked recently. Since more investigation is going on regarding the involvement of these film actors, more details will be made public upon the completion of the investigation. Our aim is also not just to nab the drug dealers, but take action and stop those who are consuming drugs, especially the youth/students. It would help if parents, NGOs, media, educational institutions join together in eradicating this drug menace. We are also keeping an eye on foreigners who continue to stay in India even after their visa expires, and many have entered into the illegal drug trade, cyber crimes and even, prostitution. We are ready to stop all this through our intensive investigation, and will see that they are punished as per law” added DG and IGP Praveen Sood.
