Tamil Nadu government establishes 65 dedicated Anti-Narcotic Task Force police stations across all districts and city commissionerates to combat rising drug offences. The force, operating under direct supervision of the Chief Minister, will function with redeployed personnel enforcing narcotic and tobacco laws statewide.
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu government has taken a decisive step in combating drug-related crimes by establishing 65 dedicated Anti-Narcotic Task Force (ANTF) police stations across the state. These specialized units will function under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister, marking a significant administrative measure in the state's war against narcotics.
The government order, issued by the Department of Home, Prohibition and Excise, comes in response to a proposal submitted by the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking a specialized force to detect and act against the spread of drug-related offences across Tamil Nadu.
Of the 65 ANTF stations, 37 will be established at the rate of one per district, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the state. The remaining 28 stations will be strategically positioned to cover police districts within nine city commissionerates. Chennai will receive the maximum allocation with 12 stations, while Avadi, Tambaram, Salem, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Tiruchy, Madurai, and Tirunelveli will each get two stations.
Each ANTF station will operate with a dedicated team comprising one inspector, two sub-inspectors, and five constables. The entire force will consist of 65 inspectors, 130 sub-inspectors, and 325 constables. Notably, all personnel will be created through redeployment of existing police force, avoiding additional budgetary burden on the state exchequer.
The ANTF stations in police districts will operate under their respective District Superintendents of Police, while those in city commissionerates will function under City Police Commissioners. This hierarchical structure ensures accountability and efficient coordination in anti-narcotic operations.
The specialized stations have been mandated to strictly enforce the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), alongside other relevant statutes. This comprehensive legal framework will enable the force to take stringent action against drug peddlers, smugglers, and those involved in the illegal tobacco trade.
The establishment of ANTF stations represents the state government's commitment to addressing the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking. By placing these units under the Chief Minister's direct supervision, the government has signaled its intent to closely monitor anti-narcotic operations and ensure effective implementation of drug control measures across Tamil Nadu.
The government order, issued by the Department of Home, Prohibition and Excise, comes in response to a proposal submitted by the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking a specialized force to detect and act against the spread of drug-related offences across Tamil Nadu.
Of the 65 ANTF stations, 37 will be established at the rate of one per district, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the state. The remaining 28 stations will be strategically positioned to cover police districts within nine city commissionerates. Chennai will receive the maximum allocation with 12 stations, while Avadi, Tambaram, Salem, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Tiruchy, Madurai, and Tirunelveli will each get two stations.
Each ANTF station will operate with a dedicated team comprising one inspector, two sub-inspectors, and five constables. The entire force will consist of 65 inspectors, 130 sub-inspectors, and 325 constables. Notably, all personnel will be created through redeployment of existing police force, avoiding additional budgetary burden on the state exchequer.
The ANTF stations in police districts will operate under their respective District Superintendents of Police, while those in city commissionerates will function under City Police Commissioners. This hierarchical structure ensures accountability and efficient coordination in anti-narcotic operations.
The specialized stations have been mandated to strictly enforce the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), alongside other relevant statutes. This comprehensive legal framework will enable the force to take stringent action against drug peddlers, smugglers, and those involved in the illegal tobacco trade.
The establishment of ANTF stations represents the state government's commitment to addressing the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking. By placing these units under the Chief Minister's direct supervision, the government has signaled its intent to closely monitor anti-narcotic operations and ensure effective implementation of drug control measures across Tamil Nadu.