Lucknow: In a push to strengthen the fight against drug abuse and narcotics trafficking, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna, an IPS officer of 1991 batch, flagged off an all-India motorcycle rally themed ‘Fight Against Drugs’ from the police headquarters in Lucknow on Saturday.
The rally is part of the nationwide programmes leading up to National Unity Day on October 31, observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the dangers of narcotics, particularly among young people, while reinforcing the national mission of building a drug-free India.
Five specially selected UP Police riders will travel thousands of kilometres across northern and western India before joining the National Unity Day celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
DGP Rajeev Krishna Calls for a Drug-Free Younger Generation
Flagging off the rally, DGP Rajeev Krishna said that the strong and united India envisioned by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel could only be built with a healthy and drug-free younger generation.
He described the anti-drug campaign as an integral part of the Uttar Pradesh government’s zero-tolerance policy towards crime. He also reaffirmed the state police’s commitment to the national mission against narcotics and efforts to protect young people from substance abuse.
The motorcycle rally is intended to take the anti-drug message beyond police establishments and into communities, educational institutions and public spaces along its route.
Police Riders to Engage with Students and Promote MANAS Helpline
During the journey, the five UP Police riders will interact with students in schools, colleges and universities. These outreach activities will highlight the harmful effects of substance abuse and encourage young people to participate in efforts to prevent drug addiction.
The riders will also promote the national de-addiction helpline, MANAS (14446), which provides a channel for people seeking assistance or information related to drug abuse.
Police officials said the outreach programme aims to encourage young people to seek help when needed and become active participants in the fight against narcotics. By taking the message directly to educational institutions, the campaign seeks to strengthen awareness and encourage timely intervention.
UP Anti-Narcotics Task Force: 504 Cases, 1,364 Traffickers Arrested
Uttar Pradesh has also strengthened its enforcement efforts through the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), established in 2022 to tackle drug trafficking and related offences.
According to the figures provided by the police, since its formation, the ANTF has registered 504 cases and arrested 1,364 alleged traffickers. It has recovered more than 45,000 kilograms of narcotics and seized drugs valued at approximately ₹554 crore.
These figures highlight the scale of the state’s anti-narcotics operations, which combine enforcement against trafficking networks with public awareness and prevention initiatives.
The motorcycle rally adds a public outreach component to these efforts, with a particular focus on educating young people about the risks associated with substance abuse.
Rally to Pass Through Agra, Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat
The rally will begin in Lucknow and proceed through Agra, Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat before reaching Ekta Nagar, where the Statue of Unity is located.
The UP Police contingent is scheduled to participate in the National Unity Day parade and ride-past at the Statue of Unity on October 31. The event will form part of the nationwide celebrations marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary.
Through the journey, the riders will carry the message of a drug-free India across several regions, combining public engagement with the symbolism of national unity.
The initiative brings together the themes of national integration, youth welfare and the fight against narcotics, with the Uttar Pradesh Police seeking to encourage greater public participation in efforts to prevent drug abuse and trafficking.
Read Also: Telangana DGP C.V. Anand Warns Drug Suppliers of Tough Action, EAGLE Force to Intensify Crackdown
