Mann government cracking down on drugs, 85,000 arrested so far

Second phase of the war against drugs also launched

Chandigarh: The Punjab government has intensified its campaign against drugs, and the second phase of the war against drugs has also begun. During the government's tenure so far, the police have taken unprecedented action against drug networks. According to the report, a total of 85,418 drug traffickers have been arrested across the state. This action shows that the Punjab Police is actively working at the ground level to break the back of the drug mafia. In addition, the conviction rate in NDPS cases has now increased to 88 percent. This high rate is a result of improved police investigation procedures and legal prosecution, which has instilled fear of the law in the minds of drug traffickers. Foot marches are being conducted in 15,000 villages and wards across Punjab. Regarding drug seizures, more than 5,119 kg of heroin, 3,458 kg of opium, cocaine, ice drug, and millions of capsules, along with drug money worth approximately Rs 52 crore, have been recovered. Strict action has also been taken against properties acquired through drug trafficking. Property seizure action has been taken in more than 1,400 cases. Properties worth more than Rs 2,730 crore have been seized from 2022 to 2025. Chief Minister Mann's clear message is that earnings from drugs will no longer be tolerated. The government has made special arrangements to stop drug trafficking through drones. As a result, hundreds of drones have been recovered, and drone activities have been significantly curbed in 2025. Notably, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed Police Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police to make Punjab a drug-free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a five-member cabinet sub-committee, headed by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to monitor the fight against drug abuse. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government has taken a major initiative for the treatment of drug addicts. Under this initiative, the number of beds in government hospitals and de-addiction centers has been increased by 1,000. Furthermore, if the beds in government centers are fully utilized, the services of private nursing institutions and de-addiction centers will be used for an additional 1,000 beds, the cost of which will be borne by the Mann government.(Advertorial)