Breaking: Punjab will be drug-free by Dec 31, 2029, Says Amit Shah
Seeks CBI Probe Into Two More Cases
Ravi Jakhu
Chandigarh, October 20, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday announced that Punjab would be free of drugs by December 31, 2029, while targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over its handling of the drug menace and seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into two more cases.
Addressing the issue of drug trafficking in the state, Shah questioned why the Punjab government had failed to eradicate drugs despite promising to do so within three months of coming to power. He said five years had passed, yet the drug trade continued to spread across villages, while police officials were facing arrest in connection with cases linked to the issue.
Shah also accused the state government of failing to take adequate action against those involved in drug trafficking and questioned the alleged political protection enjoyed by drug networks.
Referring to allegations that drugs were entering India through ports in Gujarat, Shah said authorities had been making efforts to curb the trade and cited seizures of drugs worth ₹20,000 crore. He questioned why those responsible for trafficking were not being arrested.
“Where are drugs coming from in Punjab? Is this not possible without political involvement?” he asked, calling for accountability over the alleged nexus between drug traffickers, officials and political leaders.
Shah welcomed the Punjab government’s decision to hand over a case to the CBI, saying that anyone found involved in wrongdoing would not be spared. He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to transfer two remaining cases to the central agency, adding that the affected families were also demanding a CBI investigation.
The Union Home Minister also questioned the state’s enforcement record under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Referring to 929 cases registered under the stringent law last year, he sought details of the arrests made in connection with them.
He further criticised the state government’s participation in efforts to combat drug trafficking, referring to a national-level meeting and meetings held with states. Shah challenged the Punjab government to provide an account of the action taken against the drug menace.
Raising concerns about the alleged involvement of officials and political leaders, Shah demanded transparency about those suspected of facilitating the drug trade. He also alleged that gangs in several districts were protecting drug peddlers and claimed that delays in drug testing were allowing accused persons to secure bail.
Shah said the people of Punjab expected effective action against the drug menace and reiterated his commitment to eliminating drug trafficking from the state by the end of 2029.
He also said he would use all available means to ensure justice for those who had died in cases linked to the issue, including approaching the High Court if necessary.
Shah’s remarks come amid continuing political exchanges between the BJP and the AAP government over drug trafficking, enforcement and accountability in Punjab.