DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab's Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today lauded the significant strides made by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and party supremo Arvind Kejriwal in the fight against drug abuse, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh'.

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Thursday, Dr. Balbir Singh provided detailed updates on the progress made in this battle and the government's comprehensive approach to eradicating the drug menace in Punjab.

Dr. Singh revealed that the government has registered 2,384 FIRs related to drug trafficking, arresting 4,142 drug peddlers and smugglers. Among these, 50 major drug traffickers were injured while attempting to escape or retaliate during operations. The properties of 49 drug traffickers demolished, which were reportedly built using drug money on government lands.

Dr. Singh also announced that a substantial boost of Rs 438 crore has been allocated in the Punjab Budget 2025-26 for the drug eradication campaign. This includes provisions for advanced anti-drone systems, recruitment of 5,000 home guards, strengthening police headquarters, emergency response vehicles, and adding 758 four-wheelers and 916 two-wheelers. Rs 150 crore has been earmarked for Punjab's first drug census.

"Punjab's borders have become more secure, and even the Border Security Force (BSF) officials have remarked that drones carrying drug consignments now rarely picked up in Punjab due to heightened surveillance and enforcement," said Dr. Balbir Singh.

Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of community participation in the fight against drugs. He highlighted the establishment of anti-drug committees in villages and youth groups actively working to combat the stigma associated with drug addiction. He shared that private and government de-addiction centers, which previously operated at only 20-25% capacity, are now nearly 85-90% occupied. Many families are voluntarily bringing their children for treatment, reflecting the growing awareness and trust in the government's efforts.

(editor@dailyworld.in)