Ahmedabad, Jan 26 (NationPress) In Gujarat, more than 5,400 drug traffickers have been incarcerated as part of a rigorous initiative against narcotics, announced Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Monday.

After hoisting the national flag at the Ahmedabad Rural District Police Headquarters in Makarba, Sanghavi emphasized that actions against drug networks are being taken with “zero tolerance”.

“To date, a total of 5,482 drug traffickers have been locked up. Drugs ruin families and jeopardize the future of our youth, and this battle will persist without any concessions,” he stated.

Discussing crimes against women, Sanghavi highlighted that Gujarat has achieved significant judicial outcomes in severe cases. “Fourteen offenders of serious crimes against girls have received the death penalty,” he said, emphasizing that prompt investigation and prosecution are now top priorities.

He noted that 907 criminals have been condemned to life imprisonment, which showcases the commitment to address serious offences.

In terms of improvement in investigation speed, the Deputy Chief Minister remarked that police have submitted charge sheets within 15 to 30 days in over 1,500 cases. “This indicates that our police and prosecution are collaborating effectively to provide swift justice within the legal framework,” he explained.

On the subject of organized crime, Sanghavi mentioned that the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime Act (GUJCTOC) is being strictly implemented to dismantle criminal syndicates. “In 2025 alone, 338 gangsters have been incarcerated under GUJCTOC. Our aim transcends mere arrests; we are focused on dismantling the infrastructure of organized crime,” he said.

Efforts to locate missing children were also underscored during his speech. Sanghavi reported that special police operations have resulted in locating 66,497 missing children statewide. “Out of these, 17,471 children have been reunited with their families over the past five years. This is one of the most sensitive responsibilities of our police force,” he noted.

He also spoke about measures against illegal land occupation by criminal factions. “Illegal encroachments created through intimidation or organized pressure are being eradicated, and such lands will be utilized for public welfare,” he asserted.

Senior officials, including District Collector Sujit Kumar, District Development Officer Videh Khare, and District Police Chief Omprakash Jat, attended the event, along with elected officials and community members.

The Republic Day celebration featured a ceremonial parade, marching displays, police demonstrations, and cultural performances by students, while law enforcement statistics were a central theme of the Deputy Chief Minister’s address.

Sanghavi also unveiled the ‘Traffic Action Plan’ book. “Traffic discipline is intricately linked to public safety. Alongside crime control, enhancing road conduct and enforcement is a major priority,” he stated, adding that awareness and enforcement initiatives will be bolstered throughout the district.