Twenty-three drug peddlers, who were lodged in District Jail, were set free after they furnished surety of their good behaviour.

However, District Magistrate, Rajouri, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, on Saturday, said that crackdown on drug peddlers will continue and effective measures will be taken to eradicate the menace. He sought greater public co-operation to make Rajouri drug-free.

He said a slew of measures were being taken in this regard to check this menace that includes establishment of a drug de-addiction centre at Rajouri for rehabilitation of drug addicts and a movement to make students aware of the problems arising out of drug addiction.

The police have drawn up a comprehensive plan and were maintaining vigilance. Under the direct supervision of SSP, Yugal Kumar Manhas, the force had registered cases under NDPS Act in various parts of the district and had seized banned drugs.

Meanwhile, civil society members, who have been raising the issue before the district administration, appreciated the steps being taken by the authorities to control the menace.

Guest