1k held in anti-drug drive in Sriganganagar in 8 months

Jaipur: In a crackdown on drug abuse along the Pakistan border by Sriganganagar district administration and police, nearly 700 FIRs were registered, and more than 1,000 people have been arrested since Sept last year. The ongoing anti-drug drive led to the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 331 crore, including heroin, Chitta, MDMA, and various banned pharmaceutical drugs under the NDPS Act.

According to district collector Dr Manju, the campaign focuses on protecting youth aged 15 to 25 from the growing influence of drugs. It blends strict law enforcement with rehabilitation and public engagement. So far, 1,566 individuals received treatment at 10 de-addiction centres operating across the district.

Technology has played a significant role in strengthening the campaign. An online monitoring system now tracks the sale of 12 high-risk drugs across over 600 medical stores and 25 de-addiction clinics. This system allows real-time inventory audits, ensuring better control over pharmaceutical drug distribution. Prescriptions are digitally recorded and limited to single-use to prevent misuse.

To prevent illegal drug distribution, special monitoring cells have been set up. A "one-store rule" requires addicts to register online and pick up their medication from a designated store only, based on verified medical records and digital prescriptions.

Community engagement has been a cornerstone of the campaign, reaching over 5 lakh people through awareness programs. These efforts included street plays, sports events, and public oath ceremonies. Over 60,000 citizens took an e-oath to live a drug-free life on the portal nmbsagnr.com.

A WhatsApp helpline has been launched to allow anonymous reporting of drug-related incidents. Complaints are integrated with the Rajasthan Sampark Portal (181) for confidential tracking and response. Additionally, a new 25-bed govt-funded de-addiction centre has opened in Sadulshahar as part of the 2024–25 state budget. The district has also reinforced CID outposts and strengthened anti-narcotics task forces in high-risk areas, reflecting a multi-faceted approach to tackling the drug crisis.