Punjab Intensifies Anti-Drug Campaign, Over 98,000 Arrested

New Delhi, September 22 (Udaipur Kiran) : In a determined effort to combat drug trafficking, the Punjab government has intensified its anti-drug campaign, resulting in the arrest of over 98,000 individuals since 2022. This surge in arrests comes as the state prepares for upcoming assembly elections, amid rising concerns over drug abuse and narco-terrorism.During the third National Conference of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) held in New Delhi, officials highlighted the alarming statistics regarding drug-related crimes in Punjab. Under the "Nasha Mukt Bharat" initiative, the central government has classified 73 districts as highly sensitive, with six of those located in Punjab, including Amritsar, Fazilka, Firozpur, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, and the industrial hub of Ludhiana. Between 2022 and April 2026, authorities recorded 73,541 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, representing an increase of over 40% compared to the 52,255 cases logged from 2017 to 2021.The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has ramped up its "War Against Drugs" campaign, which has been met with significant law enforcement actions. Additionally, reports indicate that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) recently arrested a drug trafficker in Delhi involved in the large-scale importation of heroin, which was hidden in semi-processed talc. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also filed multiple charges against individuals linked to an international drug trafficking syndicate operating from Afghanistan and Pakistan.In a related operation, the Haryana Anti-Terrorist Squad apprehended seven suspects connected to a major international narco-terrorism network. Investigations revealed that illicit drug sales had generated approximately ₹74 crore, which was funneled to Afghanistan for terrorist activities. Punjab has become a key route for drug trafficking from Afghanistan, with reports highlighting significant seizures and drone-assisted smuggling attempts along the border.The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced measures to strengthen collaboration between central and state authorities to dismantle drug trafficking networks. In recent statements, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai noted a sharp increase in drone-assisted drug smuggling since 2021, with Punjab being the most affected border state. In 2025 alone, there were 305 reported incidents of drone-related drug trafficking, predominantly along the Punjab border, leading to the confiscation of nearly 460 kilograms of narcotics, including heroin and methamphetamine.The government is implementing advanced measures to combat cross-border drug trafficking, including the installation of anti-drone systems and enhanced surveillance technology in sensitive areas.