Photo Source: Babushhahi Bureau
Over 2,300 arrests, massive drug seizures, crackdown on traffickers: Minister Harpal Cheema
AAP Govt's anti-drug campaign in Punjab yields historic results
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 16, 2025 – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s relentless fight against drugs in Punjab is delivering historic results, marking a turning point in the battle against narcotics. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced today that the anti-drug campaign launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has evolved into a mass movement, with citizens actively supporting the government’s mission to eradicate the drug menace.
Massive Crackdown on Drug Traffickers
As part of the ongoing campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, the Punjab Police have registered 1,572 FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, leading to the arrest of 2,364 drug traffickers and peddlers across the state.This unprecedented crackdown reinforces the government’s zero-tolerance stance on drug-related crimes.
The campaign has also resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics, including:
- 90 kg of heroin
- 51 kg of opium
- 1,128 kg of poppy husk (bhukki)
- 13 kg of ganja
- ₹63 lakh in drug-linked cash
Additionally, in a landmark action, 33 properties linked to drug traffickers have been demolished, sending a clear warning that illegal wealth amassed through drug trade will not go unpunished.
Holding Previous Governments Accountable
Slamming the SAD-BJP and Congress for their complicity in Punjab’s drug crisis, Cheema said, “The previous regimes allowed drug traffickers and gangsters to flourish under their protection. Unlike them, the AAP government, under CM Bhagwant Mann, is committed to wiping out this menace from our state.”
Comprehensive Efforts for Drug Rehabilitation
In addition to cracking down on traffickers, the AAP government is ensuring proper rehabilitation for individuals struggling with addiction. Hundreds of substance abuse patients have been admitted to government-supported de-addiction centers, where they are receiving professional treatment and counseling to reintegrate into society.
Collaboration with Himachal Pradesh to Dismantle Drug Routes
The Punjab Police, working in coordination with Himachal Pradesh Police, have successfully dismantled major drug smuggling routes, effectively weakening trafficking networks across border areas. This inter-state cooperation has been pivotal in reducing drug supply chains into Punjab.
AAP’s Zero-Tolerance Policy on Drug Crimes
Cheema reaffirmed the government’s firm stance against drug peddlers: “No drug trafficker will be spared. Their illegal properties will be seized, and they will face the full force of the law.” He assured that the government’s mission to make Punjab drug-free will continue with full intensity.
People’s Support Fuels the Fight Against Drugs
The Finance Minister expressed gratitude to the people of Punjab for standing shoulder to shoulder with the AAP government in this fight. “This is just the beginning. Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab will achieve complete victory over drugs,” he concluded.
The AAP government remains committed to ensuring a safer, healthier future for Punjab, where drug traffickers find no refuge, and rehabilitation programs offer new hope to those affected by addiction.