Punjab Drug Smugglers On Back Foot: Police To Use GPS Anklets, AI-Backed Database To Track Them

Last Updated:June 01, 2025, 06:30 IST

GPS anklets would be placed on notorious smugglers released on bail to monitor their movements while ensuring the right to privacy is respected, DGP Gaurav Yadav said

The DGP also mentioned that artificial intelligence software will be created to upload information about arrested drug smugglers into a centralised database, facilitating forward and backward linkages. (Representational image)

Punjab police are set to introduce GPS-enabled anklets to monitor the movements of drug smugglers released on bail, as announced by the state’s top cop on Saturday. Additionally, a database of drug smugglers and peddlers is being developed, modelled after the Punjab Artificial Intelligence System (PAIS).

Director general of police Gaurav Yadav highlighted that the Jammu and Kashmir police use similar wearable devices to track individuals accused under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). “In J&K, GPS tracking anklets have been implemented for UAPA accused out on bail. We are currently assessing the proposal from a legal perspective," he informed the media.

Yadav explained that upon receiving court orders, GPS anklets would be placed on notorious smugglers released on bail to monitor their movements while ensuring the right to privacy is respected.

Yadav emphasised that small-time drug users should not be targeted, but rather the step would be directed at drug de-addiction centres. He mentioned that the police would also focus on monitoring such users who have been released on bail. “We have established a system to track their activities by involving village elders and panchayats, aiming to reintegrate them into mainstream society. These individuals will be encouraged to visit OAAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) clinics and drug de-addiction centres," he stated.

Station house officers will summon these individuals to police stations to have them sign a self-declaration committing to neither consuming nor selling drugs, according to the DGP. However, he noted that repeat offenders would face police action.

The DGP also mentioned that artificial intelligence software will be created to upload information about arrested drug smugglers into a centralised database, facilitating forward and backward linkages. Furthermore, drug de-addiction centres will be established in jails for incarcerated drug users.

(With PTI inputs)

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