Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 5: In a major step to tackle the growing menace of narcotics in the state, the Karnataka government has, for the first time, established an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). A total of 66 police personnel have been assigned to this newly formed unit.

To lead the task force, the state government has also created the post of additional director general of police (ADGP). As per the government order dated August 1, the unit will report directly to Pranav Mohanty, director general of police (cyber command).

For the ANTF, ten new positions have been created, and 56 personnel from the Anti-Naxal Force (ANF) have been transferred. The task force will include two additional superintendents of police (Addl SPs), one deputy superintendent of police (DySP), an assistant administrative officer, superintendents, junior assistants, first division assistants, stenographers, and dalayats.

Among the 56 personnel transferred from the ANF are two police inspectors, four police sub-inspectors (PSIs), 20 head constables, and 30 constables.

The ANTF has been constituted as a dedicated and specialized force to crack down on the smuggling, distribution, and abuse of narcotic substances across the state. According to a senior IPS officer, the task force aims to identify and dismantle organized drug networks and improve coordination among districts, central agencies, and intelligence units.