Punjab Government Takes Strong Steps to Combat Drug Trafficking: CM Mann’s Campaign Intensifies
Chandigarh: The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has launched a vigorous campaign to eliminate drug addiction from the state, taking a firm stance against drug traffickers. The government has been relentless in its efforts, modernizing the police department and making significant breakthroughs in cracking down on drug-related crimes.
One of the standout achievements in the campaign is the seizure of properties worth Rs 324 crore from drug traffickers. Under the strict directions of CM Mann, the police have been taking tough decisions and have intensified their operations to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab.
In 2023, the Punjab Police and BSF destroyed 107 drones that were being used to smuggle narcotics. The government has increased its crackdown efforts, with drug seizures jumping from 179 kg in 2017 to 1,346 kg in 2023. Since March 16, 2022, the police have arrested 39,840 individuals involved in drug trafficking, including 5,856 high-profile traffickers. A total of 29,152 FIRs have been registered, of which 3,581 are for commercial drug activities.
The Mann government has empowered police forces with modern resources, allowing them to recover 2,546 kg of heroin in statewide search operations. Additionally, 2,457 kg of opium, 1,156 quintals of poppy, and over 4.29 crore pills, capsules, injections, and vials of pharma opium have been seized. In the last two and a half years, the police have recovered Rs 30.83 crore in drug money from traffickers.
Punjab Police has also seized 602 properties belonging to drug kingpins, valued at Rs 324.28 crore. Another 192 cases, involving properties worth Rs 103.50 crore, are under review by competent authorities. The police have further arrested 2,378 fugitives in NDPS-related cases, intensifying the state’s fight against drug crime.
In addition to its anti-drug measures, the state’s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has successfully apprehended 1,420 gangsters and criminals, dismantling 508 criminal modules. In these operations, 1,324 weapons, 56.7 kg of heroin, and Rs 4.05 crore in drug money have been seized.
The Internal Security Wing has also made significant progress, arresting 272 terrorists and busting 45 terrorist modules. The police recovered 34 rifles, 303 revolvers and pistols, 14 hand grenades, and 290 drones involved in terrorist activities.
Mass Transfer of Police Personnel Linked to Drug Traffickers
To further the fight against drugs, the Mann government has initiated the mass transfer of at least 10,000 police personnel, many of whom were allegedly colluding with drug traffickers. It was found that several head constables, SHOs, and other officers had been posted in the same police stations for extended periods, forming alliances with drug gangs. These alliances led to the manipulation of procedures, allowing many accused to evade justice.
Chief Minister Mann has directed the DGP to carry out these transfers immediately, reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicating drugs from Punjab. This decisive step marks a significant effort to clean up the state’s police force and restore faith in the law enforcement agencies as the government continues its battle against drug trafficking.
