State Police Director General Gaurav Yadav emphasized that the fight against drugs extends beyond merely arresting traffickers.

Punjab has granted immunity from prosecution to 10,656 individuals struggling with substance abuse under Section 64A of the NDPS Act. This initiative, part of the "War Against Drugs" campaign launched in March 2025, reflects a significant policy shift toward treating addiction as a medical condition rather than purely a criminal one.

State Police Director General Gaurav Yadav emphasized that the fight against drugs extends beyond merely arresting traffickers. He noted that providing addicts with a pathway to recovery is essential to secure the youth's future, stressing the police force's commitment to balancing strict law enforcement with a compassionate approach to rehabilitation.

Adding to this perspective, Additional Director General Nilabh Kishore highlighted the critical need to distinguish between hardened criminals and victims of addiction. By providing timely medical treatment, authorities believe these individuals can be effectively rehabilitated and successfully reintegrated into the mainstream of society, preventing potential future criminal involvement.

Under the current strategy, individuals found with small quantities for personal use are diverted from the judicial system and admitted to state-run de-addiction centers. The government utilizes the legal provisions of Section 64A to encourage voluntary participation in recovery programs, allowing eligible persons to avoid standard penalties.

Since March 2025, police have registered 51,516 FIRs and made 67,519 arrests. This dual-track strategy aims to simultaneously cut off drug supplies and support recovery, with plans to expand rehabilitation outreach in the coming days.