Surat: Issuing a stern warning to those attempting to disturb citizens celebrating the New Year, Surat police commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut cautioned that anyone spoiling the festive atmosphere would be sent to jail.With a force of 5,000 personnel, 382 breath analysers, 180 laser-enabled devices, on-the-spot drug testing kits, and 20 drones, Surat police is fully prepared to maintain law and order on Dec 31. With 45 internal checkpoints and 12 city border checkpoints, teams from local police stations, DCB, SOG, and traffic police will jointly fortify the city.“We urge people to return home by around 12.30am after welcoming the New Year to avoid inconvenience. Citizens are strictly warned against drinking, drug consumption, rash driving, and creating disturbances, as such actions could land them in jail in 2026. Route diversions have been planned in areas where large crowds are expected,” Gahlaut said.The police have received 13 applications for New Year celebration parties, which are under process. “Our teams will keep strict vigil against illegal parties. To maintain peace, 55 anti-social elements, including externed persons, have been sent to jail under PASA,” he added.“Our teams will patrol party hotspots and also deploy 20 drones to monitor such gatherings and deserted areas to prevent untoward incidents. In open areas such as Dumas, solar-based cameras will be installed to provide live feeds. Field personnel will be equipped with body-worn cameras, along with 50 AI-based cameras transmitting footage to the control room,” he said.Saliva, urine tests on the spotTeams from SOG, DCB, and local police stations’ D-staff have been provided with anti-narcotics kits for on-the-spot testing. These teams will be deployed especially in areas such as Althan, Vesu, Adajan, Pal, Rander, Piplod, City Light, and other posh localities. “Drug suspects will be tested on the spot using these kits. Saliva and urine samples will be collected for immediate testing, with results available within minutes. FIRs under the NDPS Act will be registered immediately against those who test positive,” Gahlaut said.
