Kishanganj: In a major move against the growing narcotics trade in Bihar, police in Kishanganj have constituted the state’s first dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), aiming to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating in the district and adjoining border areas.
Announcing the initiative, Santosh Kumar said the newly formed task force would focus not only on arresting peddlers but also on breaking the entire chain of the illegal drug trade, including suppliers, financiers and kingpins.
“This is the first specialised Anti-Narcotics Task Force constituted at the district level in Bihar. Merely arresting small-time traffickers is not enough. The objective is to destroy the network from its roots,” the SP said.
The special unit will function under the supervision of SDPO Manglesh Kumar Singh, while Inspector Raju has been appointed as the in-charge of the force. The ANTF consists of 12 trained police personnel assigned with intelligence gathering, surveillance and coordinated enforcement operations.
According to police officials, the team will continuously monitor narcotics-related activities in the district and nearby regions. Authorities said dossiers will be prepared on active traffickers, including details of their criminal backgrounds, supply chains and financial networks, enabling stricter legal action.
The police administration also plans to monitor convicted narcotics offenders who have completed jail terms or are due for release, in an attempt to prevent them from re-entering the drug trade.
As part of the wider campaign, the district police will soon launch a dedicated helpline number through which residents can anonymously share information related to drug trafficking and substance abuse.
SP Santosh Kumar stressed that the fight against narcotics could not succeed through policing alone and required public participation and awareness. He said awareness campaigns would be organised in schools, colleges and public spaces to educate young people about the dangers of drug addiction.
Police officials added that efforts would also be made to connect addicts with de-addiction centres and rehabilitation services.
The administration has further indicated that property confiscation proceedings could be initiated against those found involved in narcotics trafficking. Police said steps would be taken to ensure speedy trials in drug-related cases so that accused persons are convicted without unnecessary delays.
Appealing for public cooperation, the SP urged residents to immediately inform the police about any suspicious activities linked to narcotics. He said making Kishanganj drug-free remained a top priority for the district police.
