Punjab’s war against drugs, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, has gained momentum, delivering major breakthroughs in the last 11 days. With 1,540 drug peddlers arrested, 1,072 FIRs registered, and illegal drug hubs demolished, the campaign has sent a strong message that Punjab is on a mission to become drug-free.
Notably, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has given a strict three-month deadline to Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police to intensify efforts and eliminate drugs from Punjab.
Punjab Police conducted 580 simultaneous raids across all 28 police districts on Tuesday alone, leading to 110 arrests and the registration of 68 fresh FIRs. These raids resulted in the seizure of 2.8 kg heroin, 500 grams opium, 10,904 intoxicant pills or injections, and Rs 2.88 lakh drug money.
Since the campaign’s launch, police teams have confiscated a staggering 76 kg heroin, 50 kg opium, seven lakh drug tablets, 4.5 kg drug powder, 1.25 kg narcotic ice, and 950 kg poppy husk (bhuki). Additionally, the conviction rate in drug cases has risen to 86 percent, a significant jump from the 58 percent under the Congress and 40 percent during the Akali-BJP era.
“Drug smugglers have only three choices — quit the trade, leave Punjab, or end up behind bars. No one will be spared,†declared Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who is leading a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee monitoring the campaign.
The state Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh is visiting hospitals and de-addiction centers in all districts. He said that he himself is in-charge of six districts and has already held meetings with district officials in five of them. “Everywhere, the campaign has shown very positive results,†he said.
At the same time, Cheema appealed to the public to support the Government’s campaign and to immediately admit drug-affected individuals to de-addiction centers.
Jail Raids and Prevention Measures
As part of a multi-pronged strategy of Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP), Punjab Police conducted surprise searches in five district jails — Fazilka, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot, and Moga — to crack down on illicit activities inside prisons.
Meanwhile, police officials are also focusing on rehabilitation and public awareness. Over 1,000 awareness meetings have been held in universities, colleges, and villages to educate youth about the dangers of drugs. During the campaign, one individual voluntarily opted for de-addiction treatment, while 146 awareness events were organized on a single day.
Demolition Drive Continues Against Drug Smugglers
Punjab Government is continuing with the demolition drive, demolishing illegal properties of drug smugglers, reinforcing its no-mercy stance. In Nawanshahr, police and the local administration razed illegal constructions belonging to three families infamous for drug trafficking, one of which had 14 NDPS cases against them. In Sunam Udham Singh Wala, police demolished an illegally occupied house and shop used for drug dealings by a notorious smuggler.
“The message is clear — Punjab will no longer be a safe haven for drug smugglers. Either they leave the trade or face dire consequences,†warned SSP Dr Mehtab Singh and SSP Sartaj Singh Chahal, who supervised the operations.
Sports and Community Participation to Combat Drug Menace
While enforcement remains strict, the Punjab Government is also focusing on preventive strategies, particularly engaging youth in sports. The state Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, during his visit to Sri Muktsar Sahib, announced a sports campaign to provide an alternative to drug addiction.
Bhullar urged village panchayats to pass resolutions against drug smugglers and not support them in getting bail. About 100 drug peddlers have already been arrested in the district in just 10 days, with 64 FIRs registered.
“Just as Punjab defeated terrorism, we will overcome drugs with community effort,†he asserted, encouraging parents, local leaders, and youth to participate actively in this mission.
