Drug task force chief takes charge, given free hand

CHANDIGARH : As the Amarinder Singh government races against time to honour its poll promise of eradicating drug menace in Punjab within four weeks, ADGP Harpreet Sidhu took charge of the special task force formed by the government on Monday.

At a preliminary meeting ahead of Sidhu taking charge of the STF, the CM gave him a free hand to take all measures to wipe out the scourge of drugs from the state within the stipulated time without sparing anyone. The CM said he will personally monitor the progress of the STF on a dayto-day basis. He asked the STF to take public help in identifying and arresting traders and suppliers of drugs in the state. A 24X7 helpline service is in place and anyone can call on 181 to report any drugs related incident with total protection of his identity.

A 1992-batch IPS officer, Sidhu was engaged in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, where he was on CRPF deputation, before being called in to head the anti-drugs STF in Punjab. He is also the recipient of the President’s Medal for Gallantry Services in 2003.