A district-level review meeting under the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government's flagship "Yudh Nasheyan Virudh" campaign was held today at the District Administrative Complex, Sector-76, SAS Nagar, under the chairmanship of Sh. Malvinder Singh Kang, Member of Parliament, Sri Anandpur Sahib, to review measures being undertaken for the prevention of drug abuse, enhanced surveillance, rehabilitation of affected individuals and strengthening community participation.
The meeting comprehensively reviewed the progress and achievements made during the second phase of the campaign. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Komal Mittal; SSP (Additional Charge) Sh. Maninder Singh; SP Ms. Deepika Singh; SDM Kharar Sh. Gurmeet Singh; SDM Banur Mrs. Ramandeep Kaur; Joint Commissioner, Municipal Corporation Mohali, Sh. Navdeep Singh; Civil Surgeon Dr. Sangeeta Jain; DDPO Mrs. Parambir Kaur; Incharge, District Drug De-addiction Centre, Dr. Pooja Garg; Zonal Incharge of the campaign Mrs. Anu Babbar; Assembly Constituency Incharges; Block Coordinators; Executive Officers; and Block Development & Panchayat Officers.
Addressing the meeting, MP Sh. Malvinder Singh Kang described the campaign as a key initiative of the Punjab Government aimed at eradicating the drug menace from the State. He called upon all departments and field-level functionaries to work with greater coordination, commitment and accountability to ensure the success of the campaign.
He directed officials to maintain strict surveillance over identified drug hotspots, encourage youth to participate in sports and constructive activities, and ensure timely treatment and rehabilitation for individuals affected by substance abuse. He further observed that Punjab's youth are often unfairly stereotyped because of the drug menace, whereas they continue to excel in sports such as cricket, hockey, volleyball and basketball, besides earning distinction across various fields in India and abroad.
He also highlighted the exemplary contribution of Punjab's youth in the Armed Forces, where they serve the nation with dedication. Reiterating the commitment of the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government, he stated that the State Government remains firmly committed to making Punjab drug-free through sustained action against drug traffickers and their networks.
Deputy Commissioner Mrs. Komal Mittal informed that the District Drug De-addiction Centre, with a capacity of 100 beds, is providing comprehensive treatment to drug-affected individuals while simultaneously imparting skill development training to facilitate their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. She further informed that 26 OOAT (Opioid Agonist Treatment) Centres across the district are providing OPD-based treatment and medication to individuals seeking to overcome drug dependence.
Presenting the enforcement status under the campaign, SSP (Additional Charge) Sh. Maninder Singh informed that the district police have adopted a proactive, intelligence-led strategy to detect, trace and apprehend drug peddlers and traffickers while simultaneously dismantling the financial networks supporting the narcotics trade.
As part of sustained enforcement efforts, 20 daytime and 20 night-time nakas are being conducted daily, while 20 to 30 targeted raids are regularly carried out against identified drug peddlers, traffickers and their associates. In addition, Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) are being conducted in identified hotspots and vulnerable areas to detect concealed contraband and gather actionable intelligence.
He informed that since March 2025, 314 out of 660 identified drug peddlers and 55 out of 85 identified drug smugglers have been arrested. During the same period, 1,587 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act and other relevant provisions, resulting in the arrest of 2,251 persons involved in drug-related offences.
The SSP further informed that technical surveillance, human intelligence and financial investigations are being extensively utilised to identify supply sources, interstate linkages and organised criminal networks involved in narcotics trafficking. Investigations are also being conducted to trace illicit proceeds through bank accounts, digital transactions, movable and immovable assets, followed by legal action for the freezing, attachment and forfeiture of illegally acquired properties in accordance with the provisions of law.
To further strengthen community policing and public participation, the district have been regularly conducting meetings with various associations, community representatives, Village Defence Committees (VDCs) and Ward Defence Committees (WDCs). Since March 2025, a total of 5,688 meetings have been organised with VDCs and WDCs to promote community engagement and strengthen collective efforts against drug abuse and trafficking.
The meeting concluded with a resolve to further enhance inter-departmental coordination, strengthen rehabilitation initiatives, intensify intelligence-based enforcement, and sustain community participation to achieve the objective of a drug-free Punjab under the "Yudh Nasheyan Virudh" campaign.