Chandigarh, 11 March
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab’s ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign is achieving significant milestones, bringing the state closer to becoming drug-free. This was announced by Punjab Finance Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harpal Singh Cheema during a press conference in Chandigarh on Tuesday.
Cheema, accompanied by AAP spokesperson Neel Garg, shared the impressive outcomes of the anti-drug campaign over the past 11 days. He highlighted that the campaign has led to the recovery of 76 kg of heroin, 50 kg of opium, and ₹50 lakh in cash. Additionally, 1,072 FIRs have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and 1,485 drug peddlers have been arrested.
The crackdown has also resulted in the seizure of 7 lakh drug tablets, 4.5 kg of drug powder, 1.25 kg of narcotic ice, and 950 kg of poppy husk (bhuki), along with other synthetic drugs. In a bold move, the properties of 26 drug smugglers have been demolished, targeting the ill-gotten assets accumulated through illegal drug trafficking.
Cheema emphasized that these actions reflect the AAP Government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drugs from Punjab. He warned drug smugglers to either quit their trade, leave the state, or face imprisonment. “No one involved in this menace will be spared,” he declared.
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A Strong Stand Against Drugs
Cheema criticized previous governments for their alleged complicity in shielding drug smugglers. He contrasted this with the AAP Government’s zero-tolerance approach, which has led to a significant increase in conviction rates. Under the current administration, the conviction rate in NDPS cases has risen to 86%, compared to 58% during the Congress regime and a mere 40% under the Akali-BJP Government. In some districts, the conviction rate has even reached 90-95%.
He took a dig at former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, accusing him of failing to fulfill his promise of eradicating drugs within four weeks. Instead, Cheema alleged that the Congress Government protected drug smugglers, while the Akali-BJP and Congress regimes conspired to push Punjab’s youth into addiction.
Proactive Measures and Awareness Campaigns
Cheema outlined the comprehensive strategy adopted by the AAP Government to combat the drug menace. Apart from stringent police action, the government has launched extensive awareness programs in universities, colleges, and villages. Over 1,000 meetings have been held to educate the youth about the dangers of drug abuse.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Cheema and comprising four ministers, is actively monitoring the campaign’s progress. Health Minister Balbir Singh is visiting hospitals and de-addiction centers across districts to ensure effective rehabilitation of drug-affected individuals. Cheema himself is overseeing six districts and has already held review meetings in five of them, reporting highly positive outcomes.
Public Appeal
Harpal Cheema urged the public to support the government’s efforts in making Punjab drug-free. He appealed to families to immediately admit drug-affected individuals to de-addiction centers for treatment and rehabilitation.
The ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign is a testament to the AAP Government’s determination to cleanse Punjab of the drug menace. With robust enforcement, awareness drives, and rehabilitation initiatives, the state is steadily moving towards a brighter, drug-free future.
