Chandigarh/SAS Nagar: In a significant step towards strengthening Punjab‘s fight against narcotics, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, an IPS officer of 1992 batch, on Tuesday inaugurated a series of advanced technical, intelligence, and investigative facilities at the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Police Station in SAS Nagar (Mohali).
The newly inaugurated infrastructure includes the Special Intelligence & Technical Unit (SITU), a dedicated Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) Room, an Interrogation Room, MHC Room, and the Office of the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Senior officers, including Special DGP ANTF Kuldeep Singhand ADGP ANTF Nilabh Kishore, were present during the inauguration ceremony.
The development marks another milestone in Punjab Police’s ongoing efforts to create a technology-driven and intelligence-led framework for combating drug trafficking and organized narcotics networks across the state.
ANTF Police Station Emerges as Modern Anti-Narcotics Hub
The ANTF Police Station building in SAS Nagar was originally inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in August 2024. Since then, it has been transformed into a modern investigation and intelligence centre designed to serve as a strategic hub for anti-drug operations throughout Punjab.
Officials said the facility is equipped with advanced technological capabilities to support scientific investigations, intelligence collection, surveillance operations, and digital evidence analysis.
The establishment of the Special Intelligence & Technical Unit is expected to significantly strengthen the police force’s ability to track narcotics syndicates, monitor criminal activities, and conduct data-driven investigations.
DGP Highlights Importance of Technology in Drug Enforcement
Speaking on the occasion, DGP Gaurav Yadav emphasized that modern policing requires the integration of technology, intelligence gathering, and scientific investigation methods.
According to him, the newly inaugurated facilities will improve:
- Scientific investigation of narcotics cases
- Digital evidence collection and analysis
- Intelligence gathering and processing
- Technical surveillance operations
- Access to criminal databases and records
- Coordination between enforcement agencies
He stated that these capabilities will enhance the overall quality, speed, and effectiveness of anti-narcotics investigations conducted by Punjab Police.
Statewide Expansion of ANTF Infrastructure
Highlighting the rapid modernization of Punjab’s anti-drug enforcement framework, DGP Yadav informed that state-of-the-art ANTF office complexes are already operational in:
- Patiala
- Jalandhar
- Bathinda
In addition, new ANTF facilities are currently under construction in:
- Ludhiana
- Ferozepur
The state government has also secured land for the development of a dedicated ANTF complex in Amritsar, further expanding the agency’s operational reach across Punjab.
Over ₹37 Crore Invested in ANTF Modernisation
Punjab has made substantial financial investments to build a technology-driven anti-drug enforcement ecosystem.
According to officials:
FY 2024-25
- ₹11.50 crore allocated for ANTF modernisation
FY 2025-26
- ₹11.50 crore allocated for further upgrades
Additional Allocation
- ₹14.16 crore sanctioned to enhance ANTF’s technical capabilities
The funds are being utilized for:
- Advanced surveillance systems
- Modern communication infrastructure
- Cyber intelligence tools
- Digital investigation platforms
- Data analytics capabilities
- Technical monitoring systems
The investments are aimed at enabling ANTF personnel to effectively tackle increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking networks.
ANTF Designated as State NCORD Secretariat
In another major development, DGP Yadav announced that the Anti-Narcotics Task Force Punjab has been designated as the State NCORD (Narco Coordination Centre) Secretariat.
With this designation, ANTF will function as the nodal agency responsible for:
- Inter-departmental coordination
- Intelligence sharing among agencies
- Monitoring anti-drug initiatives
- Tracking enforcement actions
- Reviewing implementation of anti-narcotics strategies
- Facilitating cooperation between state and central agencies
Officials believe this move will improve coordination among law enforcement, intelligence, and administrative departments engaged in anti-drug operations.
Punjab Police Reaffirms Commitment to Drug-Free State
Reiterating Punjab Police’s commitment to eliminating the menace of narcotics, DGP Gaurav Yadav said the force remains focused on dismantling organized drug syndicates and disrupting supply chains through intelligence-led operations.
“We remain committed to dismantling narcotics networks, disrupting drug supply chains, and securing a drug-free Punjab through intelligence-led policing and modern enforcement capabilities,” he said.
The DGP emphasized that technological upgrades, stronger intelligence networks, and coordinated enforcement efforts are central to Punjab Police’s long-term strategy against drug trafficking.
Focus on Intelligence-Led Policing
The inauguration of the new facilities reflects Punjab Police’s broader shift toward intelligence-led and technology-driven policing.
With advanced surveillance systems, cyber intelligence capabilities, integrated databases, and specialised investigative units now being developed across the state, the ANTF is expected to play a pivotal role in identifying narcotics networks, intercepting supply routes, and improving conviction rates in drug-related cases.
As Punjab continues its campaign against drug abuse and trafficking, the modernisation of ANTF infrastructure is expected to strengthen enforcement capabilities and enhance coordination among agencies working to curb the narcotics menace.
