EC for flying squads in all segments to check drug flow

Tribune News service

Patiala, December 4

The Election Commission (EC) wants to ensure a joint mechanism to check the flow of drugs and liquor to lure voters in the run-up to the Assembly elections. In recent directions, for both pre-poll code and post-poll code, the commission wants to fix responsibility and improve the interstate mechanism.

The Election Commission wants as many as 117 flying squads deployed in Punjab to oversee all constituencies.

Five additional battalions for checking drugs from across the border and 24-hour CCTV scrutiny at distilleries and liquor warehouses are some other steps ordered by the Election Commission.

The commission has sought tough implementation by the nodal agencies to check “interstate smuggling of drugs” and use the BSF as primary defense against cross-border drugs. “The Punjab Police is to be deployed for the second line of defence,” reads the direction, a copy of which is with The Tribune. In its drug control strategy, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi have been requested to share information on drug routes, smugglers, proclaimed offenders, release of smugglers from jail and surprise checking on the interstate borders. Nakas on all interstate borders, with 24-hour CCTV monitoring, has been sought.