Director General of Police, Punjab, Suresh Arora today administered the oath to the police officers and officials registered as official volunteers under drug abuse prevention officers (DAPOs) programme here at Punjab Police Headquarters. All the police officers, officials and staff posted at police headquarters attended the oath ceremony.While addressing the gathering DGP informed that the Punjab Government has decided in principal to celebrate the martyrdom day of Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev as 'Youth Empowerment Day' on March 23 every year. "As a part of prevention strategy against drug abuse, the state government has taken a major step towards making Punjab free from drug abuse and decided to launch DAPO programme across the state," he added.Mr Arora further said the official volunteers registered as DAPOs would raise awareness regarding drug abuse in their area of jurisdiction and motivate drug users and their families to avail treatment facilities at recognized drug de-addiction centres.He added that the oath ceremonies were simultaneously held today at all the police offices across the state. He informed that 662 police officers and officials posted at police headquarters have volunteered to be registered as DAPOs. A similar drive to register official volunteers in the police department is already underway throughout the State, he said.Describing DAPO programme a major initiative for partnering the community in preventing drug abuse, DGP said it would be the top-most priority of Punjab Police to make this programme successful. He lauded the efforts of Punjab Police in cracking the cases and confiscating the drugs in huge numbers.