Close watch on clubbers

This New Year’s Eve, Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) officers will party hard – actually, that’s what they’ll appear to be doing, reports Megha Sood.

This New Year’s Eve, Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) officers will party hard – actually, that’s what they’ll appear to be doing.

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On December 31, each ANC officer will dissolve into the crowds in at least three pubs or nightclubs to keep an eye on drug consumption, and DJ’s who double as drug peddlers.

In the first 15 days of this month, the ANC has seized more than 60 kg of drugs – compared to 10.7 kg seized in the whole month last year, and only 3.9 kg in December 2007.

On December 15, ANC officers seized around 56 kg of hashish, which had been brought into the city to meet the seasonal surge in demand for drugs at new-year related parties.

“Based on the information we have been collecting over the months, we have short-listed several pubs and discos that we will be watching at this New Year’s parties, especially after DJ Jolly’s arrest in Bandra, for peddling,” a senior ANC officer said on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

“Each ANC officer will visit at least three clubs or pubs in plain clothes, and watch the revelers through the night. We will also keep track of the flow of drugs into the city,” the officer added.

“We have started special drives to stop the inflow of drugs into the city,” said Sunil Paraskar, Deputy Commissioner of Police, ANC.

ANC officers said that last year, due to the 26/11 terror attacks, New Year celebrations were low-key and the inflow of drugs was proportionately subdued.