Punjab's anti-drug campaign nets 10,400+ in 72 days

Politics Politics of India

Posted by AI on 2025-05-13 10:42:01 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-06-13 22:33:14

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With guns blazing, the Punjab police's campaign against drugs has netted more than 10,400 suspects in just 72 days, despite criticism of alleged political vendettas and due process concerns.

The state's energetic stance against illicit drugs, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' (War Against Drugs), has yielded impressive results in its first three months, with 6,280 criminal cases filed and nearly triple the number of arrests, totalling 10,444. Seizing nearly 15,000 kg of heroin, opium, and cannabis, officers also confiscated more than 462 kilograms of explosives and over 2,500 weapons. The haul includes 145 sniper rifles, 314 pistols, 571 revolvers, and 89 submachine guns.

Not everyone is cheering, however, with critics claiming that the drive is more of a popularity boost for the political party in power than an effective crackdown on narcotics. With many of those arrested being couriers or small-time peddlers and a lack of emphasis on tackling drug demand, some argue that the campaign largely amounts to sensationalized headline-grabbing.

Others allege that the blitzkrieg on drugs is more about settling political scores, with many innocent people caught up in the dragnet. Nevertheless, with an abundance of weapons and explosives seized, the campaign has certainly proved effective at tackling arms trafficking and gangs' illicit activities.

The question now is whether the campaign will continue to focus on narcotics and deepen its impact on gang activity or become a fleeting media sensation. Only time will tell.

Conclusion:

This anti-drug campaign has netted a significant number of arrests in just a few months, prioritizing Punjab's battle against drugs in words and deeds. Critics argue that it might be more about political gain than a genuine crackdown, given the focus on peddlers rather than the demand. Nevertheless, the campaign has succeeded in seizing a large cache of weapons, highlighting its impact on tackling organized crime rings. The war against drugs continues, with only time will reveal whether it's a flash in the pan or a sustained campaign.

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