The Drug Menace

A Call for Collective Action

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Punjab, the land of five rivers, has long held a reputation for its vibrant culture, rich historyandthe unmatched spirit and hard work of its people.

Punjabis have always been known globally for their resilience, agricultural prowess, military service, entrepreneurial —successand infectious zest for life. Whether it’s the green revolution or the global diaspora, Punjabis have made their mark. However, in recent years, this proud image has been shadowed by a tragic and deeply troubling stigma-the growing drug menace that has gripped the state and shaken its social fabric.

The journey of how drugs entered Punjab is complex. What began with isolated cases of substance abuse gradually escalated into a widespread crisis. Due to Punjab's geographical proximity to international borders and the so-called “Golden Crescent" (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and lran-regions notorious for opium production), it became a transit point for narcotics. Over time, this transit hub turned into a consumption ground. The initial use of substances like poppy husk, painkiller-sand alcohol silently gave way to more harmful synthetic and injectable drugs. Youth from rural and urban areas alike, driven by unemployment, peer pressure, depressionand lack of awareness, fell into the trap of addiction.