• Important decision to form zone-wise Anti-Narcotics Task Force units across the state for dedicated NDPS operations

ANTF units will focus solely on NDPS-related crimes: This zonal structure will help dismantle drug networks in every corner of the state.

Important decision to form zone-wise Anti-Narcotics Task Force units across the state for dedicated NDPS operations

The Gujarat government has taken another major step to make the state drug-free. For this purpose, a total of 6 new Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) units will be launched zone-wise across the state, which will control the sale, trafficking, and production of drugs. The establishment of these units will strengthen the fight against drugs in Gujarat.

To make the currently operational Narcotics Cell more powerful, these ANTF units have been set up, and an additional staff of 177 has been approved, including 1 SP, 6 DYSP, and 13 PIs. Previously, the Narcotics Cell had 34 officers and staff, which will now become a team of 211 officers and staff with ANTF operational. These police officers and staff will focus solely on NDPS-related crimes. The overall supervision of these units will be handled by CID Crime.

These six new ANTF units will operate in Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and the Border Zone. This zonal structure will help dismantle drug networks in every corner of the state.

It has been stated that these units will carry out ‘cutting-edge level’ action against drug mafias, suppliers, and peddlers connected with the narcotics network across the entire state.

It was stated that this zone-wise approach will maintain consistency in the investigation of drug-related crimes through police stations. Investigations of crimes registered by ANTF units can be conducted systematically, making the process of securing strict punishment for the accused easier.
This decision will prove crucial in fulfilling the commitment to free the state from the scourge of drugs and is a historic step in the fight against drugs.

Key Features of ANTF Units

Supervision in Investigation: A ‘Top to Bottom’ and ‘Bottom to Top’ approach will be adopted in the investigation of NDPS cases registered at local police stations, where the supervision of the ANTF unit will prove effective.

Data Analysis and Intelligence Unit: These new units will also have an operational Data Analysis and Intelligence Unit. These units will collect and compile information on frequent NDPS offenders, syndicate structures, and inter-state narcotics offenders, conduct data-based analysis, and play a key role in enabling the ANTF unit to take intensive action against such criminals.

Accelerating PIT NDPS Action: Just as action is taken against anti-social elements under PASA, similarly, action is taken against NDPS offenders under PIT NDPS. With the help of the Data Analysis and Intelligence Unit, the ANTF will now accelerate taking strict steps against drug mafias.