Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann transfers 10,000 cops to combat 'drug mafia-police nexus'

CHANDIGARH: The Bhagwant Mann govt has effected transfers of nearly 10,000 policemen across Punjab as part of its multi-pronged strategy to crack down on the nexus between drug peddlers and a section of the police force. The transfer process is expected to be completed in a week.
Speaking to reporters Tuesday after chairing a meeting of police officers, the CM said rotation of cops' postings is going to break this nexus.He said the move is aimed at checking smuggling of drugs in the state as he had received reports that police officers at the lowest level were involved with drug peddlers. State police had seized a lot of cash and drugs in the run up to the elections and got several vital clues regarding its supply.
Mann said a number of cops transferred at the lowest rung of hierarchy had been "squatting on their posts for long".
He said if anyone is found involved in smuggling of drugs, the police personnel would be dismissed from service within a week and the cop's property would be confiscated. "The black sheep in the police department are being identified and strict action will be taken against them for their involvement. It is an unpardonable crime if someone in uniform is involved and will invite dismissal," he said, adding that officers have been directed to implement this policy zealously to check drug peddling.
"Drugs come from Gujarat, besides Maharashtra, but Punjab is getting a bad name. Punjab is fighting the nation's war against the menace of drugs and no stone will be left unturned against it. Not even a single ounce of drugs is being produced in the state, but it is being smuggled from across the borders and from other states," Mann said.
Mann said the state govt has decided to create 10,000 new posts in the police force to enhance its efficiency and introduce several reforms for policing. "Gone are the days when the state govt was run on 'commission'. Now it is being run in a 'mission' mode."
DGP Gaurav Yadav said Punjab Police had frozen property of drug smugglers worth Rs 200 crore in 459 cases in the last two years. "CM has now given directions to implement it more effectively," he added.