GUWAHATI, Dec 25 � Wary of the rampant drug abuse, the Kamrup district administration has issued specific instruction to prevent use of drugs or narcotics and psychotropic substances in the New Year parties, especially inside any hotel, pub, bar or discotheque located in and around the capital city.
Sleuths of Assam Police too are expected to step in this time with it planning to constitute a special squad to monitor and act on such activities during New Year celebrations.
Seen by many as the fall out of the �upmarket trend� adopted from the metro cities, Guwahati, of late, has witnessed an alarming trend of drug consumption by the youngsters, especially during festive occasions.
Wary of this, the district administration has now asked the Excise and the police department to specifically monitor drug-abuse activities inside the venues for New Year bashes.
�This is a new trend that has hit the lifestyles of urban population and we are concern about it. I have asked the Excise department, besides the cops to keep a strict vigil on drugs abuse and crackdown on them based on specific information,� said Ashutosh Agnihotri, Deputy Commissioner, Kamrup (Metro) while talking to The Assam Tribune.
Agnihotri also divulged that the all the organisers of New Year bashes have been issued strict warning to abide by the prescribed guidelines issued by the administration.
Giving further inputs on the alarming trend of drugs consumption, Senior Superintendent of Police (City) Pradeep Chandra Saloi told this reporter that the issue of drug abuse is being discussed and all possible steps would be taken to ensure that tranquillity is maintained.
�We are having a meeting tomorrow, where we are thinking of forming a team of officials, who will constantly keep vigil and prevent drug abuse by all, especially the youngsters,� Saloi stated, adding, �Surprise checks would also be conducted in the venues.�
He further said that the managements of the venues would be held culpable if it fails to prevent drug abuse inside its premises.
�The idea is to avert any kind of untoward incident during the New Year eve,� he said.
Moreover, the district administration has also imposed a slew of restrictions on New Year revelers as the city braces up to welcome a brand new calendar year.
The administration has already issued strict guidelines to be maintained by the bash organisers, including the owners of the hotels, bars, pubs and discotheques located in and around the capital city.
Police have also asked the bar and pub owners to down their shutters on the stipulated time and that anyone found violating the restriction would be liable for punishment.
