(a) whether the Government is aware that the majority of drugs in Punjab are smuggled in from across the border, especially from Pakistan;
(b) the steps/measures taken by the Government to detect drug smuggling across the border;
(c) whether the Government has constituted a special task force to tackle this problem in coordination with the State Government of Punjab; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a) & (b): Following measures have been taken by government to prevent smuggling of drugs in Punjab Sector of India-Pakistan Border:
(i) Intensive preventive and interdiction efforts along known drug routes; strict surveillance and enforcement at import & export points; increased international cooperation for exchange of information and investigative assistance in administering control over the movement of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals; training programs for law enforcement officials for upgrading their skills to combat drug menace and financial assistance to the eligible states for strengthening their anti-narcotics units.
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LS.US.Q.NO.4448 FOR 08.01.2019
(ii) Border fencing, border flood lighting and border roads have been constructed all along the border for effective border domination by the Border Security Force.
(c) & (d): No special task force has been constituted by Government, however, Narco Co-ordination Centre (NCORD) has been constituted under the chairmanship of Director General, Narcotics Control Bureau to provide common platform for coordinated actions by all the Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, State Government and other stakeholders.
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