War Against Drugs: Punjab’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” Campaign Delivers Unprecedented Results in 12 Days
Chandigarh/Patiala, 09 March
Chandigarh, March 9, 2025
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s aggressive anti-drug campaign, “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” has achieved remarkable success within just 12 days of its launch. Punjab’s Finance Minister and Chairman of the Anti-Drug Campaign Sub-Committee, Harpal Singh Cheema , announced the campaign’s milestones at a press conference today, emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drugs and restoring Punjab’s youth.
Key Achievements (Feb 25–March 8, 2025):
- 875 FIRs registered against drug-related offenses.
- 1,188 drug traffickers arrested.
- ₹35 lakh in drug money seized.
- 68 kg heroin , 873 kg poppy husk, 42 kg opium, 3.5 kg charas, and 674,370 intoxicating tablets confiscated.
- 22 properties of major drug dealers demolished as part of punitive measures.
Criticism of Previous Regimes
Cheema launched a scathing attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP alliance and the Congress government , accusing them of fostering Punjab’s drug crisis:
- SAD-BJP Era (2007–2017):
- Synthetic drugs like heroin (“chitta”) were introduced during their rule, destroying Punjab’s youth.
- Conviction rate under NDPS Act : A mere 40% , with traffickers escaping due to delayed charge sheets.
- Congress Regime (2017–2022):
- Captain Amarinder Singh’s “4-week drug eradication” promise failed miserably.
- Drug trafficking flourished during the COVID-19 lockdown , with Congress accused of shielding peddlers.
In contrast, AAP’s conviction rate under the NDPS Act has soared to 86% , with districts like Nawanshahr (99%) , Sangrur (93%) , and Ropar (95%) leading the charge.
Comprehensive Strategy
- Awareness Drives :
- Over 1,028 meetings with students in universities/colleges.
- Village-level outreach programs led by retired officers and teachers.
- Law Enforcement :
- Modernized police force and streamlined prosecution.
- Demolition of drug dealers’ properties to dismantle networks.
- Rehabilitation :
- Support for addicts through mental health programs and rehabilitation centers.
see this link also…..Cross-Border Drug Bust: 10kg Heroin Recovered
Economic Revival & Future Goals
Cheema highlighted AAP’s focus on tackling unemployment, a root cause of drug addiction:
- 50,000+ jobs created, surpassing SAD-BJP’s “10,000 jobs in 10 years.”
- ₹88,000 crore investments attracted, revitalizing education and industry.
He also accused Gujarat of being the “drug smuggling hub” and blamed the SAD-BJP alliance for enabling nationwide drug proliferation.
Commitment to a Drug-Free Punjab
“We will not rest until every drug peddler is jailed or driven out of Punjab,” declared Cheema. “AAP is dedicated to rebuilding a safer, prosperous Punjab where our youth thrive. Together, we will secure a brighter future.”
The campaign underscores AAP’s resolve to transform Punjab through stringent enforcement, community engagement, and systemic reforms.
