CM Bhagwant Singh Mann Inaugurated New Building of Anti-Narcotics Task Force in Mohali

On Wednesday (28th August 2024), the Punjab government took a significant step in the fight against drug abuse by inaugurating a new building for the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) in Mohali. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to revamp and strengthen the state's efforts in combating drug-related issues.

The ANTF, formerly known as the Special Task Force (STF), has been rebranded and given an expanded mandate, bolstered with additional manpower, resources, and advanced technology. This transformation aligns with the Aam Aadmi Party-led administration's commitment to enhancing the state's drug enforcement capabilities. The renaming of the STF marks the second major rebranding initiative undertaken by the current government, following the recent change of the Punjab Police’s Organised Crime Control Unit (OCCU) to the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF).

The STF was originally established in 2017 during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh of the Congress party. It was created as a specialized unit within the Punjab Police to tackle drug trafficking and abuse. The rebranding to ANTF signifies a renewed focus and enhanced operational capacity to address the growing drug menace more effectively.

At the inauguration ceremony held at the new office located in Sector 79, Mohali, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann unveiled a comprehensive strategy to fortify the ANTF's operations. Mann launched an Anti-Drug Helpline and WhatsApp Chatbot, which can be reached at 9779100200. This new communication channel aims to streamline reporting and support for drug-related issues, providing a crucial tool for the public to report drug traffickers and seek help for those struggling with addiction.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mann announced that the ANTF's workforce would be significantly expanded. The existing staff of 400 will be increased to 861, as part of the broader plan to create 10,000 new positions within the police department. This increase is expected to enhance the ANTF's operational efficiency and reach.

The Punjab government has allocated ?12 crore for the current financial year (2024-25) to modernize the ANTF's intelligence and technical capabilities. This investment will fund the acquisition of state-of-the-art software and hardware, as well as infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, to improve mobility and operational readiness, 14 new Mahindra Scorpio vehicles will be introduced into the ANTF's fleet.

In a further commitment to strengthening the ANTF's infrastructure, Chief Minister Mann announced that a dedicated one-acre plot of land in Mohali would be set aside for the establishment of an independent headquarters for the task force. An initial grant of ?10 crore will be provided from the Punjab state cancer and drug addiction treatment infrastructure fund to support the ANTF's enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention strategies.

The newly inaugurated office, located on the second floor of the Sohana police station in Sector 79, Mohali, has been recently renovated at a cost of ?90 lakh. This upgraded facility is expected to serve as a hub for the ANTF's enhanced operations and coordination.

Mann emphasized that the newly launched Anti-Drug Helpline and WhatsApp Chatbot are pivotal in the fight against drug abuse. The helpline will offer ordinary citizens and drug addicts a platform to report drug traffickers and access medical assistance for those seeking de-addiction services. This initiative is part of the state's broader strategy to tackle drug problems through a combination of enforcement and support mechanisms.

The inauguration of the ANTF's new building and the associated technological upgrades represent a significant boost to Punjab's ongoing efforts to address drug abuse. With enhanced resources and a more robust operational framework, the ANTF is poised to make a more substantial impact in curbing the drug menace and supporting affected individuals across the state