Hyd police enforce ‘zero drug’ policy for new year fete

Hyderabad, Dec 26 UNI) With New Year’s Eve approaching, the Hyderabad City Police on Friday announced a stringent ‘Zero Drugs Policy’ to ensure drug-free and safe celebrations across the city. 
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar, who chaired a high-level coordination meeting at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), here, issued strict instructions to officers to maintain heightened vigilance. Addressing senior officials, the Commissioner directed all wings of the police to adopt a “hawk-eyed” vigil during the festive period. 
A multi-layered security strategy has been put in place involving the Hyderabad Narcotics Enforcement Wing (H-NEW), Task Force, Special Branch, and local police units. 
As part of the crackdown, special surveillance teams have been deployed at pubs, hotels, restaurants, and New Year event venues with immediate effect, the Commissioner said. 
Police have also been instructed to closely monitor individuals involved in drug-related cases over the past two years. 
A comprehensive list of known drug peddlers and consumers is being prepared, and the movement of people entering the city for celebrations will be tracked. 
The enforcement drive will extend beyond public venues. Police will monitor private gatherings in service apartments and hostels to prevent illicit drug use. 
In addition, the City Police have mandated a 1:00 AM closing time for all New Year celebrations at pubs, hotels, and restaurants. 
Warning of strict action, Commissioner Sajjanar said that licenses of establishments will be cancelled immediately if any illegal activity is detected. 
To manage crowds and ensure public safety, check-posts and barricades will be strengthened at key locations including Maitrivanam, Necklace Road, Tank Bund, and KBR Park. 
While emphasizing tight security, the Commissioner instructed officers to ensure that the general public is not inconvenienced and that celebrations remain peaceful. 
“Our goal is that not a single drug case should be reported in Hyderabad during New Year celebrations. Special forces have been deployed, and all officers must work in coordination to uphold the prestige of the Hyderabad City Police,” the Commissioner said. 
The meeting was attended by senior officers including DCPs N. Swetha, K. Apoorva Rao, Rakshitha K. Murthy, Ch. Rupesh, Ch. Srinivas, Gaikwad Vaibhav Raghunath and Task Force Additional DCPs Ande Srinivasa Rao and Iqbal Siddiqui, among others.