Nagaland DGP Rupin Sharma stressed on the need for collective effort to tackle the drug menace and called upon all stakeholders to educate and create awareness on the ill effects of substance abuse.
Talking to media persons on the sidelines of Seithekema Circle Sports Meet 2023, Sharma maintained that simply apprehending individuals indulged in drug abuse was insufficient, but underscored the need for increased cooperation to create awareness.
He, however, reminded that offences related to drugs, such as, selling, aiding, or financing drug activities, was punishable under the law, assuring that perpetrators would face consequences under the long arm of law. Sharma informed that the state government was initiating measures to bolster detoxification and de-addiction facilities.
When asked about how police was tackling the issue, he said effectiveness outweighed sheer numbers, underscoring the importance of efficient operations in combating drug-related issues. “It is not just about numbers but about how efficiently one works”, he stated.
When asked about the recent issue of action taken against police personnel involved in substance abuse, he said that action was not limited to officers alone, but extended to all members of society. On the issue of some police personnel raiding liquor dens and at the same time taxing bootleggers, he urged to share any information on such cases and assured to take appropriate action against anyone involved in such illegal acts.
He, however, cautioned against levelling unfounded allegations and stressed the need for concrete evidence. “If you have anything, share with us, we will be happy to take action against anyone who is in the wrong of law, whether it is a policeman or anyone else”, he asserted.