By Manish Tiwari | Editor-In-Chief

A decline in heroin production in Afghanistan has created a new problem for Punjab. Synthetic drugs are now filling the void. These drugs are often more addictive, leading to an increase in overdose deaths.

Punjab is facing an unprecedented crisis — one that threatens the very foundation of its society. The state has been battling an escalating drug menace for over a decade, and now bulldozers have been rolled out by the Bhagwant Mann Government to demolish properties linked to smugglers. Thousands of police personnel have also begun raiding the hideouts of drug peddlers.

However, Punjab’s drug problem is not just a law-and-order issue; it’s a social catastrophe with far-reaching implications. The state has one of the highest drug addiction rates in India, with an estimated 12 lakh people registered as drug addicts. Over the years, the crisis has devastated countless families, fuelled rampant crime, and left a generation of youth in despair. 

The state’s proximity to the Pakistan border has made it a major transit point for narcotics, particularly heroin. Most of the gangsters and terrorists in India and those operating from outside the country are majorly involved in pushing drugs to Punjab, and as usual, Pakistan’s ISI has continued to play a significant role in aiding drug smuggling.

The drug problem, however, is not isolated to Punjab alone. Other states like Gujarat and Maharashtra also serve as entry points for narcotics through India’s vast coastline, making the fight against drugs a national issue. The porous borders with Nepal have become a significant concern, as smugglers are exploiting this route to push drugs through Bihar and Uttar Pradesh into other parts of India. 

A recent United Nations report revealed a 70 percent decline in heroin production in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s return to power. While this is being seen as a positive development globally, it has created a new problem for Punjab. Synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine and fentanyl, are now filling the void left by heroin. These drugs, produced in clandestine laboratories, are often more potent and addictive than traditional narcotics, leading to an increase in overdose deaths. 

Unlike heroin, which is derived from poppy plants and requires specific cultivation regions, synthetic drugs can be manufactured anywhere, making them more difficult to track and control. The growing prevalence of synthetic drugs in Punjab is exacerbating an already dire situation and poses a significant public health risk.

Meanwhile, under the leadership of DGP Gaurav Yadav, various police wings including the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), led by DGP Kuldeep Singh and ADGP Neelabh Kishore besides Special DGP (Internal Security) RN Dhoke, Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla etc., have launched a major drive to break the drug supply chain by targeting smugglers, peddlers, and their networks. Various state and Central intelligence and enforcement agencies are also working in concert to disrupt the flow of narcotics into the state. Recently, the Punjab Police launched a state-level Cordon and Search Operation, targeting 369 drug hotspots across all 28 police districts. Hundreds of raids have been carried out, resulting in the arrest of drug smugglers and the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics.

The real challenge, however, lies in breaking the deeply entrenched nexus between politicians, law enforcement, and drug cartels. Previous governments, including those led by the Akali Dal and Congress, attempted to address the issue, but their efforts were thwarted by powerful connections that shield drug traffickers from prosecution. The links between drug mafias and political leaders, as well as corrupt law enforcement officials, have allowed the problem to persist despite previous crackdowns.

While several ministers, politicians, and MLAs etc. in Punjab have been booked in drug smuggling cases, and numerous police officials have been arrested or dismissed for their links to drug mafias in the past few yeas, drug money has still continued to flow into politics and law enforcement, corrupting the system and making it difficult to bring criminals to justice. 

The fight against drugs in Punjab is not just a local issue — it is a national one. Smugglers are exploiting different routes to push drugs into parts of the country, making it essential for Punjab to collaborate with neighbouring states and Central agencies like the NCB and intelligence units. Besides, the drug trade is posing a national security threat. The nexus between drug cartels and terrorist organisations, known as narco-terrorism, has further raised alarms across the country. 

It may be mentioned that during the 2022 Assembly elections, the AAP had promised the electorate that it would eradicate the drug menace from Punjab. However, even after three years in power, the Mann government has faced an uphill task of dismantling this nexus and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

For now, bulldozing the properties of drug smugglers may serve as a short-term deterrent, but long-term success will require addressing the root causes of the problem. This includes tackling both the supply and demand for drugs, improving rehabilitation programmes for addicts, and focusing on prevention and education. The AAP government’s latest initiative is a welcome step, but lasting success will require the collaboration of all sections of society, from law enforcement to healthcare, to tackle the drug menace at its roots. / DW