Yudh Nashian Virudh: Punjab’s Zero-Tolerance Approach to Drug Trafficking, Says Harpal Singh Cheema
Punjab’s Yudh Nashian Virudh: A Decisive War Against Drug Traffickers
Chandigarh, March 6 – As Punjab intensifies its anti-drug drive under the ambitious Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Harpal Singh Cheema, the Finance Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Sub-Committee for the initiative, declared that no individual involved in drug trafficking would be spared, no matter their influence or position. The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has adopted a zero-tolerance policy to combat the growing drug trade that has plagued the state for years.
Successful CASO operation in Ropar with @PunjabPoliceInd, leading to recovery of commercial quantity of drugs. The @AAPPunjab Govt’s #YudhNashianVirudh is delivering strong results under the leadership of CM @BhagwantMann Ji. Determined to make Punjab drug-free! @ArvindKejriwal pic.twitter.com/xvqd7CD20X
— Adv Harpal Singh Cheema (@HarpalCheemaMLA) March 6, 2025
In an address following his two-day tour of districts including Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Tarn Taran, Cheema outlined the recent progress of the campaign, reporting the registration of 530 FIRs, 697 arrests, and the seizure of 42 kilograms of heroin, 15 kilograms of opium, and over 41,000 medical drugs from March 1 to March 5, 2025.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Intensified Crackdown on Drug Traffickers
Harpal Singh Cheema reiterated that Punjab’s commitment to fighting the drug menace was unwavering. He warned that drug traffickers, smugglers, and those attempting to shield them would face severe consequences. This tough stance is part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, which aims to completely eliminate drugs from Punjab and restore safety across the state.
As part of the initiative, the Punjab Police has conducted cordon and search operations in high-risk areas, targeting known drug hotspots and trafficking routes. Authorities have also intensified jail inspections to root out the use of mobile phones and other illicit activities that fuel the drug trade. Meanwhile, raids on chemists and known smugglers have become routine, alongside community outreach programs in schools and colleges aimed at raising awareness among the youth about the dangers of drugs.
Record-Breaking Drug Seizures and Arrests
The crackdown on drugs has proven highly effective so far. In just a few days, the authorities have arrested 697 individuals, many of whom were involved in trafficking operations. Among the seizures were 42 kg of heroin, a significant quantity of opium and medical drugs, which highlights the state’s growing effort to dismantle trafficking networks.
The raids have also led to the recovery of various narcotics linked to both local peddlers and international cartels, solidifying Punjab’s proactive stance against drug trafficking. The seizures are a testament to the relentless efforts by Punjab’s law enforcement to clear the streets of illegal substances.
A Call for Public Support in the Fight Against Drugs
As part of the ongoing campaign, public participation is strongly encouraged. Finance Minister Cheema emphasized the need for community cooperation to combat the drug epidemic effectively. Public meetings, known as Sampark meetings, are being organized across the state, providing a platform for citizens to voice concerns and offer tips on suspected drug activity.
Educational institutions have also played a pivotal role in these efforts, with students from urban and rural schools actively engaged in anti-drug activities. The collaboration between the public, schools, and law enforcement aims to build a strong network that can help detect and dismantle trafficking operations at all levels.
Improvements in Conviction Rates
Under the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led government, the conviction rate in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) cases has shown a remarkable increase. Cheema reported that the conviction rate has surged from 58% under the previous Congress government to 86% under the current government, with districts like SBS Nagar and Rupnagar achieving impressive conviction rates of 99% and 95%, respectively.
This improvement in convictions signals a more effective and efficient judicial system, one that has been empowered to handle narcotics cases swiftly and decisively. The AAP-led government is now aiming for a 100% conviction rate, making it clear that those involved in the drug trade will face justice.
Criticism of Previous Governments’ Inaction
During his statement, Cheema did not shy away from criticizing past administrations for their failure to curb the drug menace in Punjab. He particularly targeted the SAD-BJP coalition (2007-2017) and the Congress-led government for their inability to effectively tackle the rise of synthetic drugs, such as Chitta. Cheema alleged that the synthetic drug was almost unheard of before the SAD-BJP government took power, and its spread worsened under Captain Amarinder Singh’s leadership.
Cheema also criticized the symbolic efforts of the previous government, citing the ineffectiveness of Captain Amarinder Singh’s oath-taking ceremony at Sr Talwandi Sabo in dealing with the drug issue. Similarly, he pointed out that Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi had failed to make any meaningful impact during his tenure.
The Road Ahead: Continued Vigilance and Efforts
The Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign is showing promising results, but officials stress that the war on drugs is far from over. Cheema affirmed that the state government would continue its relentless efforts, using every available tool to combat narcotics. Police and drug inspectors will keep working closely to monitor the sale and distribution of banned drugs, ensuring that offenders are caught and punished.
As Punjab continues its fight against the drug trade, the government urges the public to remain vigilant and actively support the campaign, recognizing that it is a collective responsibility to rid the state of the narcotic scourge.