Punjab launches 3-month mission to eradicate drug menace

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has set an ambitious three-month deadline to rid the state of drugs, declaring it a "historic moment" in the government's fight against the menace.

Reaffirming a zero-tolerance policy, he announced that special courts would be established to expedite drug-related cases and ensure the conviction of offenders.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who leads the cabinet sub-committee on the anti-drug campaign Yudh Nashia Virudh, said that the first meeting had been held to intensify action against drug smugglers and peddlers. “The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a major crackdown on drugs. Under the strict directives of CM Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, we are determined to take action. Soon, not a single drug peddler will be left in Punjab,” he stated.

To strengthen enforcement, cabinet sub-committee members have been assigned different districts to oversee police operations. The Chief Minister also indicated that any necessary amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act would be discussed with the Union government to ensure tougher action against offenders.

Mann emphasised that the anti-drug campaign should go beyond policing and transform into a mass movement involving the entire society. Assuring full support to law enforcement, he reminded officers that Punjab had successfully overcome militancy in the past and that the same determination was needed to combat drugs.

Senior police officials, including Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), have been given clear instructions to ensure the complete elimination of drugs within three months. A review will be conducted after one month to evaluate progress, and officers failing to meet targets will be held accountable.

Further tightening measures, Mann directed strict action against any police personnel found involved in drug consumption or aiding the drug trade. He also ordered the immediate seizure of properties belonging to convicted drug traffickers, particularly in cases involving commercial quantities. Illegal properties linked to drug operations will also face demolition.

Health Minister Balbir Singh has been tasked with overseeing the drug de-addiction and rehabilitation programs to ensure that those struggling with addiction receive proper medical care.

Speaking on the issue, Punjab Minister Arora criticised previous governments for allowing the drug problem to flourish. He assured that the current administration’s anti-drug campaign was showing results on the ground. “Drug addicts will not be treated as criminals but as patients who need medical care. The health department will provide necessary treatment and rehabilitation,” he added.

Acknowledging the scale of the challenge, Arora said that completely stopping the "rivers of drugs" that had flowed under previous administrations would not be easy, but with the collective support of Punjab’s three crore residents, the government remains committed to making the state drug-free.