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Hindustan Times
21-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Drug awareness drive in Haryana goes digital with podcast series
: In a yet another digitally driven innovative move, the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) has started a podcast series to create awareness about drugs and mobilise public opinion to combat this menace. The initiative, spearheaded by HSNCB DGP OP Singh is an attempt to connect the public with often unseen work of the police through candid conversations with officers working on the ground. (HT Photo) The initiative, spearheaded by HSNCB director general (DG) OP Singh is an attempt to connect the public with often unseen work of the police through candid conversations with officers working on the ground. In its latest episode, the HSNCB chief sat down with two deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) Jagbir Singh and Satyender to discuss some of the biggest challenges the anti-narcotics drive is facing in Haryana. The next edition of the podcast will feature officers working on rehabilitation and de-addiction initiatives, continuing the Bureau's effort to present a 360-degree view of its anti-drug mission. 'This podcast is a bridge between the public and the police, offering authentic, unfiltered narratives from ground operatives who are at the heart of this critical enforcement effort,' OP Singh said. The conversation with DSPs in two different episodes touched on the growing abuse of pharmaceutical drugs as cheaper alternatives to hard narcotics, and the complexities involved in tackling inter-state drug trafficking networks. The conversation offers listeners an insight into the operational realities of drug enforcement like the patterns, tactics, and human costs. PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG ABUSE ON RISE The one portion of the podcast zeroed in on the disturbing rise in abuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol, Tapentadol, Alprazolam, and codeine-based cough syrups. These medications--legal when prescribed-- are increasingly being misused as substitutes for costlier and harder-to-source drugs like heroin and opium, said Singh. According to the DSP heading the HSNCB's pharmaceutical enforcement wing, peddlers are exploiting legal loopholes and vulnerable supply chains to make these drugs available on the black market. 'These tablets are cheap, easy to conceal, and often fly under the radar,' he said, adding that teenagers and first-time users are particularly vulnerable due to the low cost and easy availability. The DGP underlined the need for tighter surveillance over medical supply chains, routine pharmacy audits, and public awareness about the hidden dangers of so-called 'milder' drugs. 'The damage these pharma drugs do — to health, families, and futures — is just as devastating,' he said, adding that Haryana has seen a record number of arrests of inter-state smugglers in the past year. WHY A PODCAST, AND WHY NOW? According to Singh, there is no better way to gain public confidence than to speak directly, truthfully, and transparently. 'These podcasts allow people to hear from those who are not just in uniform, but in the thick of action,' he said, pointing out that this medium also serves as a morale booster for field operatives, whose painstaking efforts often go unnoticed. 'What they say is not filtered through headlines, agendas, or studio debates . It is the truth from ground zero. HSNCB podcast is helping demystify policing, build trust, and foster community participation in the fight against drugs.' The decision to start awareness via the podcast comes close on the heels of Haryana recording a 29% rise in serious drug-related cases registered between January and June this year under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Police registered 1,858 first information reports (FIRs), up from 1,657 during the same period in 2024. Till June in 2025, Haryana Police registered 233 commercial quantity cases against 166 last year, showing a nearly 29% jump, as per official data.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
In a 1st, Haryana top cop launches podcast to discuss state's war on drugs
Chandigarh: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Director General of Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB), OP Singh, on Sunday launched a podcast series aimed at bringing citizens closer to the frontline of the state's battle against drugs. The podcast, led personally by the DGP, is envisioned as a bridge between the public and the police, offering authentic, unfiltered narratives from ground operatives who are at the heart of this critical enforcement effort. The DGP hosted two deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) from HSNCB, engaging them in an insightful conversation on two of the most pressing challenges confronting the anti-drug drive in Haryana — the rising misuse of pharmaceutical drugs as affordable alternatives to hard narcotics, and the complex network of inter-state drug trafficking. Through this candid and deeply informed dialogue, the DGP offered listeners a rare glimpse into the operational realities of drug enforcement — the patterns, tactics, and human costs that rarely make it into conventional news reports. One segment of the podcast focused on the disturbing rise in abuse of pharmaceutical drugs such as Tramadol, Tapentadol, Alprazolam, and codeine-based syrups — substances that are legal under medical supervision but are increasingly being misused as substitutes for costlier and harder-to-source drugs like heroin and opium. The DSP in charge of the HSNCB's pharmaceutical enforcement wing explained how peddlers have begun exploiting legal loopholes and vulnerable supply chains to make these drugs available on the black market. "These tablets are cheap, easy to conceal, and often fly under the radar," he said, adding that teenagers and first-time users are particularly vulnerable due to the low cost and easy availability. "The damage these pharma drugs do — to health, families, and futures — is just as devastating," he said. The second half of the podcast turned the spotlight on inter-state drug trafficking — a key concern for Haryana given its strategic location. The DGP spoke with a DSP who was instrumental in tracking and intercepting smuggling routes from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The officer narrated several operations in which large consignments of commercial quantity narcotics were seized based on actionable intelligence, surveillance technology, and inter-agency coordination. "Inter-state trafficking is no longer just about physical movement," the officer explained. "It's a sophisticated web involving digital payments, SIM box frauds, and fake identities. We're constantly evolving to stay ahead." MSID: 122798068 413 |
Indian Express
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘To the people: we're with you; to criminals: you will be found': Haryana DGP O P Singh
On Thursday evening, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini chaired a meeting of the police's top brass that went on beyond midnight. Instructions were clear: 'Enforce law and order, nail the offenders, and ensure a higher conviction rate'. In the wake of the CM's post-midnight crime review meeting, senior IPS officer DGP O P Singh, who heads the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau in a conversation with The Indian Express, Singh unpacks the paradox of figures that show a falling crime rate, yet fragile trust, the state's aggressive push against drugs, and the behind-the-scenes work in forensics and housing reforms. DGP Singh is also the Director of the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Managing Director of Haryana Police Housing Corporation. DGP O P Singh: That's the central issue the Chief Minister has flagged, and rightly so. Our figures show a steady drop in serious crimes, faster detection, and high arrest rates. But public confidence still lags. We need to explain our work better, show people how we crack cases quickly, file charge sheets, and push for convictions. It's not just about catching criminals, it's about making people feel that justice is real, fast, and visible. DGP Singh: Absolutely. We must go beyond enforcement. People need to understand how the system works, from the stage of complaint to the last stage of conviction. The police are doing their part; prosecution and courts also need to move swiftly so justice becomes a deterrent. Trust builds when people see that the system works without delay. DGP Singh: We've gone all-in. In the first half of 2025, commercial quantity NDPS cases rose by nearly 29 per cent, heroin seizures tripled, and inter-state arrests jumped over 34 per cent. This isn't a seasonal push. It is a sustained, coordinated offensive. Our teams are targeting supply chains, not just street dealers. It is yielding results, and we're not letting up. DGP Singh: A huge one. Peer pressure, thrill-seeking, and escape often lead youth to drugs. We're stopping supply, but families need to spot the signs early. Parents must stay engaged and informed. Schools and communities have to act as protective buffers. It's not a law enforcement problem alone. It is a shared social responsibility. DGP Singh: We've scaled up significantly. With the new criminal code mandating forensic input in serious crimes, we've expanded our DNA and NDPS divisions. NDPS cases are now processed within 2 to 4 weeks — critical for swift trials. We're also focusing on synthetic drugs, identifying trends, and sharing alerts with field units. Cyber and digital forensics have been reinforced too. FSL is no longer just a lab — it's a frontline support agency. DGP Singh: We've adopted a design thinking approach. We've mapped short-and long-term pain points — inadequate ventilation, cramped kitchens, safety issues, lack of recreational space. We are now building for dignity and utility: modular layouts, family-friendly spaces, smart surveillance, and better community areas. Good housing boosts morale — and better morale makes for sharper policing. DGP Singh: Trust. Whether we're chasing drug cartels, processing forensic evidence, or building homes for officers — the end goal is the same: public trust in institutions, and internal trust within the system. That's how we make Haryana safer, more responsive, and truly future-ready. DGP Singh: To the people: we are with you, always. To the criminals: you will be found. Haryana has changed — we are faster, smarter, and more determined than ever.
Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Haryana's war on drugs: Over 3k held, 1,858 FIRs filed in 6 months
Haryana appears to be intensifying its crackdown on drug trafficking, with the state reporting significant gains in the first half of 2025 through more arrests of peddlers and larger drug seizures compared to the corresponding period last year. Heroin seizures have seen a sharp increase, with 31 kg confiscated so far this year, a 62% jump over last year's figure.(Representational Image) Official data reveals a 29% rise in serious drug-related cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act between January and June this year. Police registered 1,858 first information reports (FIRs), up from 1,657 during the same period in 2024. Heroin seizures have seen a sharp increase, with 31 kg confiscated so far this year, a 62% jump over last year's figure. In the last six calendar years, Haryana recorded the seizure of 205 kg of heroin with the highest 40.55 kg seized from Sirsa district in six years followed by 22 kg in Fatehabad district. Also Read | Drug cartel spanning 10 nations busted by NCB after Mandi House arrest Police officials say there is a growing presence of synthetic and party drugs like MDMA that points to a disturbing trend. For instance, the first six months of 2024 have already seen a dramatic rise in MDMA seizures with 288 grams recovered, a staggering 86% increase over the previous year. This nearly equals the cumulative total of 392 grams seized over the six-year span from January 2019 to December 2024. As per the data, in the last six months, police registered 16 FIRs and arrested 22 individuals in MDMA seizure cases. Notably, 15 of these cases emerged from Gurugram district and the arrested accused comprise both foreign national and residents of Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Also Read | Punjab: Govt to target bail bond brokers in crackdown on drug offenders Data shows that cocaine seizures saw many fold rise as police seized 179 grams of cocaine in the last six months. The traditional drugs like ganja and opium mixtures saw a drop and small quantity cases also declined by 57%. Dismantling smuggling networks As per official data, in 2025 so far, Haryana registered 233 commercial quantity cases against 166 last year, showing a nearly 29% jump. Also what stands out this year is the state's focus on large-scale cases involving larger amounts of drugs, often linked to organised networks. 'Our focus has been on dismantling entire smuggling networks instead of just catching small-time peddlers,' said OP Singh, director general of police (DGP) and chief of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB). Also Read | Indian grocery store owner arrested for selling 'Kamini' opium in Australia Another highlight of police action against drugs is the arrests of suspects from outside the state which rose by 34.5%. As many as 246 inter-state accused involved in drug trafficking were arrested in the past six months in comparison to 161 during this period last year. In an indication that police are not just going after individuals, there were 850 cases in six months involving two or more arrests in a single case— up from 471 in 2024. As many as 3,051 people were arrested in the first half of this year which is 28% more than last year. Police sources say the strategy now is to track both the street-level suppliers and the big players behind the scenes, including financiers by using tougher legal tools to clamp down on repeat offenders. This year, 39 people were detained under the PIT-NDPS Act — up from just 8 last year – that allows preventive detention of up to one year without trial. Police sources say that they have also started going after the assets linked to drug trade profits. So far, property worth ₹87 lakh have been seized, compared to ₹23.40 lakh in 2024. 'The first half of 2025 signals a shift in Haryana's overall strategy. The focus now is on prevention and disruption, not just reaction,' says OP Singh, HSNCB chief. 'The state is moving towards a long-term plan to break the supply chains, seize the money, and go after the big players. It is a tougher road, but Haryana seems ready as war on drugs is escalating and entering a new phase.'
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
17 arrests, 11 FIRs daily: Haryana drug fight hits new high
Chandigarh: With an average of 17 arrests and 11 FIRs daily in the first six months of the year, Haryana's drug fight is at a new high. From Jan to June, police registered 1,858 FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a 10.81% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB). Arrests also climbed nearly 28%, with 3,051 people taken into custody. Drug seizures have surged as well. Heroin confiscations rose by 62.28%, cocaine by 93.15%, and MDMA by 86.21%. Meanwhile, seizures of tablets, opium mixer camper, opium plants, and injections have seen declines. The data also showed a 28.75% increase in serious drug-related cases compared to the same period last year. Arrests of suspects from outside Haryana increased by 34.5%, highlighting efforts to dismantle interstate smuggling networks. Cases involving multiple accused also nearly doubled, from 471 last year to 850 this year. O P Singh, DGP, HSNCB, informed that what stands out this year is the state's sharper focus on large-scale cases. "In 2025 so far, Haryana registered 233 commercial quantity cases, up from 166 last year —a nearly 29% jump. These cases involved larger amounts of drugs, often linked to organised networks. We are now working with a "top-down and bottom-up" approach — trying to track both the street-level suppliers and the big players behind the scenes, including financiers and logistics operators," Singh said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Investire è più facile che mai BG SAXO Scopri di più Undo Preventive detentions under the PIT-NDPS Act rose from 8 to 39 this year, and property seizures linked to drug profits have grown to Rs 87.19 lakh from Rs 23.40 lakh last year. Cocaine Seizures Up Activities 2024 2025 Percentage of change (2024 versus 2025) FIR 1,657 1,858 +10.81 Arrests 2,203 3,051 +27.79 Heroin 11.63kg 30.84kg +62.28 Cocaine 12.26g 179.01g +93.15 MDMA 39.76g 288.43g +86.21 Tablets 5,22,291 1,12,478 -364.34 *Source: Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau
