The pervasive shadow of the drug menace continues to loom large over Punjab, with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria emphatically reiterating that it remains the single biggest challenge confronting the state. His strong remarks come amidst reports from the Punjab Police indicating that intensified anti-drug drives have successfully disrupted supply chains, leading to a noticeable surge in the street prices of narcotics. Despite these reported successes, the Governor’s consistent emphasis underscores the deep-rooted and complex nature of the drug problem, which continues to be a major political, social, and public health concern for Punjab.
Governor Kataria has consistently used his platform to highlight the urgency of tackling drug abuse. In various public addresses and through awareness campaigns, he has stressed that the fight against drugs must transform into a comprehensive “people’s movement,” requiring collective action from every individual and institution in society. Earlier this month, he undertook a six-day ‘padyatra’ (foot march) against drugs, starting from the Kartarpur Sahib corridor and culminating in Amritsar, symbolizing a direct and personal commitment to the cause. He has also actively engaged with educational institutions and community organizations, flagging off campaigns like ‘Victory Against Drug Abuse’ to empower youth and promote informed choices. During these interactions, he has specifically called out Pakistan for its alleged role in pushing drugs into Punjab through drones, highlighting the cross-border dimension of the challenge and advocating for robust anti-drone systems to curb smuggling.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Police has presented a recent assessment of its efforts, indicating significant progress in disrupting the illicit drug trade. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the ongoing “Yudh Nashian De Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, a three-month-long anti-drug drive, has achieved “major success.” According to the DGP, drug availability in the state has “reduced significantly,” and the earlier perception of easy access to narcotics no longer holds true, though he acknowledged that the menace has not been “completely eliminated” and asserted that the crackdown would “continue relentlessly.”
Since the launch of the campaign on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police has registered a staggering 8,344 First Information Reports (FIRs) and arrested 14,734 drug offenders, including 13,038 peddlers and 1,696 listed suppliers/distributors. The crackdown has resulted in substantial seizures, including 586 kg of heroin, 247 kg of opium, 14 tonnes of poppy husk, 9 kg of charas, 253 kg of ganja, 2.5 kg of ICE, and 1.6 kg of cocaine, along with ₹10.76 crore in drug money. Furthermore, to dismantle the financial networks supporting the trade, illegal properties of 144 drug smugglers, valued at ₹74.27 crore, were frozen, and 104 illegally constructed properties were demolished. The police have also adopted scientific investigation techniques, including digital forensics and financial tracking, leading to a remarkable 90% conviction rate in adjudicated cases, which the DGP claims is the highest in the country.
Crucially, intelligence reports and informal surveys cited by DGP Yadav suggest a tangible disruption in drug supply chains, evidenced by a reported 50% increase in street-level heroin prices and a 40% rise in synthetic drug prices. While this indicates a significant squeeze on the supply, the price surge also raises concerns about potential shifts in drug consumption patterns or increased risks for users.
Despite these operational achievements, the Governor’s consistent emphasis on the drug menace as Punjab’s biggest challenge reflects the formidable scale of the problem. It is not just a law and order issue but also a public health crisis that demands sustained, multi-pronged efforts encompassing prevention, de-addiction, rehabilitation, and strict enforcement. The ongoing political and social discourse in Punjab frequently circles back to this issue, highlighting its profound impact on families, youth, and the overall social fabric of the state. The continued vigilance and collaborative efforts of law enforcement, government agencies, and civil society remain paramount in Punjab’s protracted battle against narcotics.
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