India, Oct. 16 -- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday announced 117 new vehicles for deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) to strengthen the state's anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashean Virudh'. Reviewing the campaign at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur, Mann said police had been given full freedom to act against drug traffickers without political interference. He also called for a broader public movement to tackle drug abuse.

Mann said eradicating drugs remained the state government's top priority and that its strategy addressed both the supply of drugs and the demand for them. He said sustained action against traffickers had helped disrupt supply chains and vowed continued action against those involved in pushing yo...