In a decisive move against the escalating drug menace, the Punjab Police have initiated a large-scale crackdown, conducting raids at 750 locations across the state.
This operation follows a high-level meeting between the government and law enforcement agencies, marking the first major action taken after the cabinet sub-committee on the drug crisis convened on Saturday.
Three-month deadline to make Punjab drug-free
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in a stringent directive issued on Friday, set a three-month deadline to rid Punjab of drugs. The ambitious initiative aims to dismantle drug networks and curb narcotics trafficking, with an extensive deployment of police personnel across the state.
As part of this intensified effort, approximately 12,000 police officers have been mobilised to target drug peddlers and smugglers. In certain cases, authorities have also taken the unprecedented step of demolishing properties linked to drug-related activities.
Call for political unity in the fight against drugs
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora has urged all political parties to set aside their differences and support the government's anti-drug campaign. Addressing the media on Saturday, Arora emphasised that combating drug abuse is a collective responsibility and not a matter for political contestation.
The cabinet sub-committee’s meeting was attended by key officials, including Chief Secretary KAP Sinha and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who leads the committee, reiterated the government’s commitment to strict action against drug traffickers under the "Yudh Nashia Virudh" campaign.
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AAP’s firm stand on eradicating drugs
Cheema underscored that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched an all-out offensive against drug cartels under strict instructions from CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal. He assured that Punjab would soon be free from drug peddlers, thanks to the relentless police action and policy measures being enforced.
To ensure effective monitoring, cabinet ministers have been assigned specific districts to oversee the implementation of the crackdown:
- Harpal Singh Cheema: Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar, Tarn Taran.
- Aman Arora: Ludhiana, Patiala, Kapurthala, Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar.
- Taranpreet Singh Sond: Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Moga, Malerkotla.
- Laljit Singh Bhullar: Faridkot, Muktsar, Fazilka, Mansa, Ferozepur.
Additionally, Health Minister Balbir Singh will oversee drug de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts across the state.
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Comprehensive approach: Law enforcement and rehabilitation
Minister Aman Arora criticised previous administrations for allowing the drug menace to proliferate and highlighted the government’s current “360-degree approach” to tackling the issue.
He reassured that individuals struggling with addiction would not be treated as criminals but as patients in need of medical intervention. The health department will provide rehabilitation and treatment to help them recover and reintegrate into society.
Arora stressed that completely eradicating the deeply entrenched drug trade would require the support of Punjab’s three crore citizens. He called upon religious organisations, social groups, and political leaders to unite in the fight against drugs.
“This is not about a party or a government; it is about saving Punjab, our youth, and future generations,” Arora stated. “I appeal to all political parties to support this campaign instead of engaging in politics. Together, we can safeguard our next generation.”
To ensure sustained efforts, the state government has formed a dedicated committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to oversee police operations and health department initiatives in the battle against drugs.
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