Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Tuesday said the Punjab Government’s sustained crackdown on narcotics is yielding tangible results, with drug networks being dismantled and traffickers forced to flee the state. He alleged that as enforcement tightens in Punjab, many traffickers are shifting their operations to neighbouring Haryana.
Addressing a press conference, Harpal Singh Cheema said the anti-drug campaign launched by the AAP government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has significantly weakened narcotics networks. He claimed that the intensified drive has exposed how criminal elements are now attempting to establish Haryana as a new base of operations.
Harpal Singh Cheema drew parallels with the 2007–2017 SAD-BJP regime in Punjab, alleging that drug abuse had proliferated during that period. He said the people of Punjab had witnessed the devastating impact of narcotics such as heroin and “chitta,” which ultimately led to the rejection of those parties.
Harpal Singh Cheema Targets Haryana Govt Over Alleged Pressure on Anti-Drug Officer
The Finance Minister further alleged that a similar situation is emerging in Haryana under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. Referring to Haryana Police officer Sunil Sandhu, Cheema claimed the officer has been facing difficulties after conducting anti-drug operations. He questioned why action was being taken against an officer known for his work in curbing narcotics and suggested it raises concerns about what the Haryana government might be attempting to shield.
Cheema also mentioned a recent large-scale heroin seizure in Gujarat, stating that such incidents raise serious questions about drug networks operating in BJP-ruled states.
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ਵਿੱਤ ਮੰਤਰੀ @HarpalCheemaMLA ਨੇ ਪ੍ਰੈੱਸ ਵਾਰਤਾ ‘ਚ ਘੇਰੀਆਂ ਰਿਵਾਇਤੀ ਪਾਰਟੀਆਂ
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👉🏻 ਮਾਨ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਯੁੱਧ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ ਅਧੀਨ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਕਾਰਵਾਈਆਂ ਦਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਜ਼ਿਕਰ pic.twitter.com/shzjctbCM7— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 24, 2026
Highlighting Punjab’s ongoing efforts, Harpal Singh Cheema said that after assuming office in 2022, the Mann government launched the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign to combat drug abuse. A special sub-committee was constituted, and coordination meetings were conducted across districts to strengthen enforcement. He added that more than 1.5 lakh members of Village Defence Committees recently pledged support to the anti-drug initiative, reflecting widespread public participation.
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The Minister further questioned the frequent visits of the Haryana Chief Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to Punjab, asking whether there were attempts to allow drug networks to regroup. He asserted that Punjab would not permit any resurgence of the drug trade and would continue its campaign with full resolve.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Harpal Singh Cheema said officers taking honest action against drug traffickers must be supported and protected rather than penalised. He emphasised that Punjab’s fight against narcotics will remain firm and uncompromising.