DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab said that anti-drug campaign, initiated under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann and supported by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, has been receiving widespread appreciation for its focused and result-oriented approach.

Addressing a press conference at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab headquarters, AAP Punjab President Aman Arora, accompanied by AAP leaders Neel Garg and Gulshan Chhabra, provided a detailed update on the Punjab Government's ongoing efforts to combat drug menace in the state.

Aman Arora said that this initiative is not merely a government endeavor but a collective mission involving every citizen of Punjab. "The drug menace had impacted almost every household in Punjab, causing immense pain and suffering. Today, the government is taking significant steps to eradicate this cancer from the state," said Arora.

Arora said that under the ongoing anti-drug drive, the Punjab government has made remarkable strides in combating the drug menace. Since March 1, a total of 1,163 NDPS cases have been registered, resulting in the arrest of 1,615 drug peddlers and smugglers who are now behind bars. In addition, 21 smugglers were injured where retaliatory action was taken in self-defense by the police. These efforts reflect the government's determination to eliminate the drug trade and hold those involved accountable.

In a significant move, the government has demolished 27 illegal properties, including lavish mansions built by drug smugglers on government land, sending a strong message that the proceeds of crime will not be tolerated. Furthermore, the enforcement agencies have successfully seized 1,115 kilograms of narcotics, approximately 7 lakh pills and capsules, and drug money around Rs 60 lakh also seized. These achievements underscore the government's commitment to eradicating the scourge of drugs from Punjab.

Arora said that 115 mass awareness campaigns have been conducted in collaboration with civil society, schools, and NGOs to educate youth about the dangers of drugs. De-addiction and rehabilitation centers are operational, treating drug users as patients rather than criminals and helping them reintegrate into society.

Aman Arora highlighted the government's 360-degree strategy, combining strict enforcement with awareness and rehabilitation. "On one hand, the police are taking strict action against smugglers, peddlers, while on the other, awareness campaigns are being conducted in schools and colleges. Youngsters are being educated, and de-addiction centers are providing support to those who wish to quit drugs," he explained.

(editor@dailyworld.in)