CM Sharma orders crackdown on drug mafias, modified vehicles

Jaipur: Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma Wednesday directed officials to take the strictest possible legal action against gangs involved in the narcotics trade and ordered a coordinated crackdown on illegally modified vehicles used for drug trafficking and other unlawful activities.

He directed the police, administration and transport department to conduct a joint enforcement drive against illegally modified vehicles and ensure strict action as per rules.

Chairing a high-level meeting of the home department at his residence, Sharma said organised drug networks must be dismantled from the roots and stressed the need to target the financial infrastructure of drug traffickers. He directed officials to seize, attach, and demolish illegal properties linked to drug mafias and to initiate stringent action against suspected offenders under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act.

The CM said all networks, big and small, involved in the narcotics trade should be identified and dismantled. He also called for enhanced surveillance and vigilance in border areas to effectively curb drone-based smuggling and other illegal activities.

Highlighting concerns over vehicle modifications, the CM said criminals often attempt to evade law enforcement by altering vehicles for illegal purposes.

He also ordered strict enforcement against the use of unauthorised emblems on vehicles and the installation of black films or other opaque materials on vehicle windows beyond prescribed limits.

Sharma said a comprehensive awareness and enforcement campaign was already being carried out across the state to prevent such undesirable activities and stressed the need for its effective implementation.

He called for a statewide public awareness campaign against drug abuse and said social sector organisations should be actively involved in transforming the initiative into a mass movement. He also directed officials to ensure active participation of women in anti-drug awareness campaigns to strengthen outreach efforts across communities.