Three anti-narcotics task forces formed in Coimbatore

Coimbatore: The city and rural police have formed anti-narcotics task forces - specialized units dedicated to drug eradication – on the orders of chief minister C Joseph Vijay.Vijay had ordered creation of 65 anti-narcotics task forces across the state to curb drug peddling and usage. Based on this directive, the city police have formed two such teams and the rural police one. Police officials in the district confirmed that the anti-narcotics task forces were ready and they were waiting for the chief minister to formally launch the project to deploy them for field operations. A senior police official said personnel have already been identified and are on standby to begin operations. "Within the city limits, two teams have been formed – one for north zone and the other for south zone. Each unit consists of a sub-inspector and five police personnel, with dedicated vehicles. Similarly, a team led by a sub-inspector and five officers is formed in the rural limits." He said the units were ready for deployment. "As soon as the chief minister formally launches the project, these units will commence field operations." According to the official, the anti-narcotics task forces would register first information reports against drug peddlers and users. Unlike the earlier special teams for drug eradication, these units would work exclusively to curb drug movement.