Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Punjab’s War on Drugs Intensifies: 1,259 FIRs filed, 1,758 arrested
Drug Smugglers' Illegal Properties Demolished
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 13, 2025: Punjab’s Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, aimed at eradicating drug trafficking, has led to 1,259 FIRs and the arrest of 1,758 individuals since its launch on March 1.
Punjab Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Anti-Drug Campaign, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, highlighted these developments while addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan.
In a strong crackdown, authorities have bulldozed illegal properties of 29 drug smugglers, reinforcing the state’s commitment to eliminating the drug menace. Additionally, a total of ₹60 lakh in drug money has been seized.
Major Drug Seizures:
Authorities have confiscated a substantial quantity of narcotics, including:
81 kg Heroin
970 kg Poppy Husk
51 kg Opium
10 kg Ganja
4 kg Charas
1 kg Ice (crystal meth)
7,06,714 banned pharmaceutical drugs
Additionally, law enforcement has seized 22 two-wheelers, 4 cars, 12 pistols, and 8 mobile phones linked to drug operations.
Community Involvement and Awareness
Minister Cheema emphasized that Yudh Nashian Virudh is not just an enforcement campaign but also a community-driven movement. Efforts have been made to engage students and village panchayats to create awareness about drug abuse:
✅ 1,028 awareness sessions conducted in schools and colleges
✅ 122 SAMPARK meetings held with community members to encourage active participation in the fight against drugs
Next Steps: Cabinet Sub-Committee Meeting on March 14
To further strengthen the campaign, a Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting will be held on March 14, focusing on reviewing the progress and devising strategies to intensify enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.
Minister Cheema reaffirmed Punjab’s zero-tolerance policy towards drug trafficking, stating, “This campaign will continue relentlessly until the drug trade is completely wiped out from Punjab.”