Chandigarh anti-drug helplines launched with door-to-door survey planned

Chandigarh Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday launched dedicated anti-drug helpline numbers as part of a campaign against drug abuse. The helplines are 8283040100, 0172-2677037 and 1933. Callers' identities will be kept confidential, Kataria said. He also announced a door-to-door survey of households in Chandigarh to identify individuals needing counselling, treatment or rehabilitation. September 30 has been set as the deadline for the administration and police to end illicit drug trade in the city, Hindustan Times reports.

Chandigarh DGP Sagar Preet Hooda said 130 FIRs have been registered, 133 people arrested and 359 detained since September 11. Drugs recovered include 919 gm heroin, 4 gm methamphetamine and 1.2 kg ganja. Kataria said the health department will monitor the sale of medicines containing misusable substances, and outlets supplying them without a valid prescription will face strict action. The campaign will be expanded in coordination with neighbouring states, he added.

Separately, The Hindu reports on a village-led anti-drug vigil in Rajthal, Haryana, where residents conduct round-the-clock patrols at the village entrance to prevent drug peddlers from entering. The gram panchayat has imposed fines of Rs 1 lakh on anyone selling drugs or helping a peddler get bail.