Chandigarh, November 15 – Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav inaugurated the Anti-Narcotics Task Force’s (ANTF) new Support Services Unit (SSU) at the ANTF Headquarters on Thursday. This advanced unit is expected to enhance the state’s fight against drug trafficking through the integration of cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.
DGP Yadav was joined by senior officials, including Special DGP ANTF Kuldeep Singh, Special DGP Internal Security RN Dhoke, ADGP ANTF Nilabh Kishore, and ADGP Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) Promod Ban, at the inauguration event.
In a post on X, DGP Gaurav Yadav said, “Equipped with cutting-edge technology and advanced intelligence capabilities, #ANTF is now better prepared than ever to safeguard #Punjab’s future from the grip of narcotics. This specialised unit is focused on analysing drug-related data, communications, financial transactions, and trafficking profiles, significantly strengthening ANTF’s capacity to combat the drug menace with precision and effectiveness.”
Strengthening ANTF’s Capabilities
The Support Services Unit, built at a cost of Rs 1.28 crore, features modern office spaces and state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to boost operational efficiency. This follows the establishment of the ANTF’s Intelligence and Technical Unit (SITU), which was inaugurated a few months ago with an investment of Rs 11 crore.
The SITU is equipped with advanced software systems for analyzing drug-related data, social media activities, financial transactions, and trafficker profiles. These tools are aimed at improving Punjab’s ability to combat drug-related crimes with greater precision.
Government Support and Investments
The inauguration comes after Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann allocated a budget of Rs 14.6 crore in April 2024 to enhance ANTF’s capabilities. Of this amount, Rs 11 crore was dedicated to upgrading technical infrastructure, while Rs 3 crore was allocated for improving physical infrastructure, including facilities like the SSU.
The new unit underscores Punjab’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace by enabling ANTF to respond to emerging challenges with sophisticated tools and strategies.