According to rough estimates-- which have been confirmed by police authorities-- more than 50 per cent of the total police force is addicted to liquor, opium, smack and other narcotics. "We are looking for a suitable place for the de-addiction centre. There are policemen who want to shun the habit, but they have to be kept under medical surveillance and given proper treatment," said border range IG Rajpal Meena.

All the five border police districts, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Batala and Amritsar (Rural), with a total strength of 15,000, are facing the problem. "Many of the Punjab policemen fall in the trap of quacks, due to which they not only suffer financial losses, but also aggravate their problem," said Meena.

He said they have contacted the local Vidya Sagar Mental Hospital (VSMH) for help in setting up such a centre and offering medical assistance. High levels of stress, odd duty hours, financial constrain, easy availability of drugs and bad company were cited as reasons behind the rising drugs abuse. It's not only the constables, head constables, ASIs and SIs who are addicted, even high ranking officers have been found indulging in drugs use.

"Besides, due to proximity with criminals, policemen become prone to addiction," said Meena, adding that the only government de-addiction centre, being run by Red Cross, did not have sufficient staff and medicines to cater to the large number of addicts in the force.