The government led by Bhagwant Mann in Punjab has intensified its campaign against drugs, with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presenting detailed statistics of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign in the state Assembly.
Bhagwant Mann Government Intensifies Anti-Drug Drive in Punjab
According to Cheema, the data covers the period from March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, highlighting the actions taken by law enforcement agencies to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse across Punjab.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Presents One-Year Data
During this period, authorities registered 36,178 FIRs and arrested 47,902 accused persons in connection with narcotics-related cases. The minister said the crackdown specifically targeted major suppliers and trafficking networks operating in the state.
The data revealed that 3,036 major suppliers and 3,173 individuals involved in distributing narcotics were apprehended during the campaign. In addition, 429 major smugglers were arrested, taking the total number of drug traffickers arrested to 45,398.
Law enforcement agencies also managed to arrest 636 absconders who had been evading authorities in drug-related cases. Furthermore, 65 major hawala operators allegedly linked to drug trafficking networks were also taken into custody.
Authorities reported significant seizures of narcotics during the operations. These included 2,276 kilograms of heroin, 20 tonnes and 686 kilograms of opium, 786 kilograms of ganja, 68 kilograms of charas, and 36 kilograms of “ice” (methamphetamine).
Officials also seized around ₹17 crore in suspected drug money, which authorities believe was generated through illegal narcotics trade.
Cheema further stated that the conviction rate in NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases in Punjab stands at 89 percent, which he claimed is the highest in the country.
The minister said the state government remains committed to continuing strict enforcement, strengthening investigations and expanding rehabilitation efforts as part of its broader strategy to combat the drug problem in Punjab.
