Border Gangs With International Ties Pose Major Challenge to Punjab's War on Drugs

Even as the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab claimed to have ramped up its campaign against the drug menace plaguing the border state, the fight is proving to be complex.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

Mann, who has completed three years in office, claimed on many occasions to make Punjab free from drugs, one of the key promises AAP made during the 2022 elections.

Since taking office, the Bhagwant Mann government has taken several initiatives to fulfill its promise of eradicating drugs, branding its efforts as the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" (War Against Drugs).

One of the most significant steps came in August 2024, when Mann inaugurated the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), replacing the earlier Special Task Force (STF). Equipped with advanced technology, additional manpower, and a renovated headquarters in Mohali, the ANTF aims to dismantle drug supply chains at both the grassroots and at higher levels.

The government also launched an Anti-Drug Helpline and WhatsApp Chatbot to report trafficking anonymously.

Recently, the state government escalated its crackdown by forming a five-member cabinet committee to oversee operations, signaling an approach on war-footing.

Punjab Police revealed that in March alone, over 2,384 FIRs were registered, 4,142 people arrested for drug trafficking, 146 kilograms of heroin seized, and Rs 5.83 crore in drug-related cash recovered.

The daily arrest average rose to 64, surpassing last year's 33 and 2023's 41 arrests per day.

Moreover, the government confiscated properties worth Rs 500 crore from traffickers, demolished illegal assets, and transferred over 10,000 police personnel suspected of colluding with smugglers.