Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Read what Punjab DGP said on success of ‘War Against Drugs’ as deadline ends
Harshabab Sidhu
Chandigarh, May 31, 2025 – Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav addressed the media on Friday as the state government’s self-imposed deadline of May 31 to eradicate drugs from the state came to a close.
During the press conference, the DGP shared data on the police department’s efforts under the ongoing 'War Against Drugs'. He said a significant number of FIRs were registered, and many accused have been arrested as part of the crackdown. Several hawala rackets linked to drug trade were also busted.
Providing updates on rehabilitation efforts, the DGP stated that 5,786 individuals have been admitted to de-addiction centres across the state.He added that nine additional anti-drone systems have already been ordered to curb cross-border smuggling of narcotics.
In a policy shift towards small-quantity drug offenders, Yadav said such individuals will not be treated as criminals but will be admitted to de-addiction centres instead.
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“The Punjab Police has achieved great success in its efforts to eliminate drugs from the state,” he asserted, while also acknowledging that although drug availability has been reduced significantly, it still persists in certain pockets.
He emphasized that the war against drugs will continue beyond the deadline set by the Aam Aadmi Party-led government, which had promised a drug-free Punjab by May 31.Meanwhile, opposition parties have been questioning the government over the status of its promise and have intensified their criticism as the deadline ends.