Aam Aadmi Party Punjab leader and Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh shared the success of the Punjab government's anti-drug campaign 'War Against Drugs' and provided details of police actions conducted until March 27.
On Friday, Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh, along with AAP leader Dr. Sunny Ahluwalia, addressed a press conference at the party office in Chandigarh. The Minister stated that the results of the 'War Against Drugs' campaign have been very encouraging, with positive outcomes being seen across Punjab. The public is also praising the Punjab government for this initiative.
Sondh said that AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had promised the people of Punjab during the 2022 assembly elections that the government would completely eradicate drugs from the state. Now, under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann, the AAP government is fulfilling that promise. He criticized the previous Congress and Akali-BJP governments, accusing them of promoting drugs in the state.
He added that Punjab Police is conducting the campaign very effectively. So far, 149 kg of heroin, over 87 kg of opium, and ₹5.83 crore in cash have been seized. In addition, 2,443 FIRs have been registered under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), and 4,218 drug traffickers have been arrested.
Moreover, approximately 8 lakh intoxicating tablets, over 2,000 kg of bhukki, 34 kg of ganja, 6 kg of charas, 1.25 kg of ice, around 500 illicit liquor bottles, 7 kg of narcotic powder, and 514 injections have also been seized by the police. Additionally, properties of 51 individuals involved in drug trafficking, which were illegally built using drug money, have been demolished.
During the campaign, 22 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones, 4 cars, and 12 pistols related to drug trafficking were confiscated. Over 4 kg of gold, including a necklace and two chains, as well as 1.25 kg of silver, were also seized. Additionally, 5,689 traffic challans have been issued.
Minister Sondh said that under CM Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, the AAP government is fully committed to eradicating drugs from Punjab. The Punjab Police is continuously cracking down on drug traffickers, and the results are visible. He said that this time, no one associated with drugs will be spared. He warned drug traffickers, “Either quit drug trafficking or leave Punjab, otherwise be prepared to go to jail.”
Sondh also shared that alongside the crackdown on drug traffickers, the government is taking several other steps. More than 1,000 awareness meetings have been organized in schools and colleges to educate people about the dangers of drugs. Similar programs have also been held in hundreds of villages.
He appealed to the public to support the government’s campaign and provide information about individuals involved in drug-related activities. He also urged families to enroll drug addicts in rehabilitation centers as soon as possible. These centers have been equipped with all necessary facilities to help individuals quit drugs and return to a normal life.
He added that after overcoming addiction, the government will provide employment opportunities to those young individuals and also support those interested in starting their own businesses.Minister Sondh appealed to all Panchayat members, village heads, and socio-religious organizations in Punjab to collaborate with the government and raise awareness among as many people as possible about the dangers of drugs.