Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], April 27: In a determined push to eradicate drug abuse from Punjab, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav has instructed police officials to adhere strictly to the deadline of May 31, 2025, to complete the ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab’ campaign.
DGP Yadav emphasized that senior officials, including Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) and Commissioners of Police (CP), will be held accountable for achieving a drug-free Punjab. Each SSP has been tasked with formulating and executing a detailed action plan, with the expectation that every area across the state will be free from narcotics.
He warned that any officer found negligent after the deadline, especially if drugs are still discovered in their jurisdiction, would face strict punishment.
In a major breakthrough, the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) recently arrested a narcotics smuggler, Hira Singh, in Amritsar, recovering 18.227 kg of heroin. Singh was allegedly working in collaboration with Pakistan-based trafficker Billa. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend his associate, Kulwinder Singh, and dismantle the entire network.
Highlighting public support, Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria organized the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ Padyatra (War Against Drugs March) in Amritsar earlier this month, with hundreds joining the movement. Kataria began the padyatra on April 3, covering Gurdaspur and Amritsar, and concluded it on April 8.
During the campaign, Kataria visited the Golden Temple, where he performed Ardaas (prayer) for the elimination of drugs from Punjab. “Today morning paid obeisance at Sri Darbar Sahib, Amritsar and had a darshan of Palki Sahib. Performed Ardaas for the elimination of drugs from Punjab,” he posted on X.
The state’s efforts have also led to the formation of 1,228 Village Defence Committees and 162 Urban Defence Committees under the Ropar Range. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Harcharan Singh Bhullar shared that 435 panchayats and wards passed resolutions banning drug sales in their areas—a move hailed as a “big achievement.”
DIG Bhullar further warned that any Punjab police personnel found colluding with drug smugglers would face strict legal action, including arrest, job termination, and prosecution.