Make Punjab drug-free in three months: CM Bhagwant Mann asks SSPs and DCs

During the meeting, Mann called the initiative a historic moment, emphasizing that the government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs. He noted Punjab Police’s long history of handling law and order challenges and expressed confidence that officers would uphold this legacy with public cooperation. He also announced plans to set up special courts to ensure speedy trials and convictions in drug cases.

The Chief Minister assured full support and cooperation to the police and civil administration, reiterating that there would be no financial constraints in the fight against drugs. He stressed the need for preventive measures in schools and colleges to protect youth from falling prey to addiction. He directed officials to dismantle drug supply networks and take strict action against those involved in drug trade.

Mann also announced that drug peddlers and their families would no longer be eligible for government subsidies, including free electricity and water, as a deterrent against the crime. He added that necessary formalities for these measures would be finalized soon, and any amendments needed in the NDPS Act to strengthen action against drug traffickers would be taken up with the Union government.

Citing the recent demolition of an illegal property belonging to a drug smuggler in Narangwal village, Mann said the administration would construct a library on the site. “Places from where drugs were sold will be transformed into centers of knowledge,” he said, adding that Punjab had won the battle against militancy in the past and would now defeat the drug menace with the same determination.

Strict accountability and enforcement measures

The Chief Minister ordered police officers to ensure that within three months, drugs were no longer available in Punjab. He announced that the performance of each SSP would be reviewed after a month, and non-performers would face action. He directed police officials to register cases against drug traffickers and instructed officers to oppose bail for those arrested in cases involving large or intermediate drug quantities.

He also stressed the timely submission of challans and chemical reports in NDPS cases and called for a comprehensive inquiry into all drug overdose deaths. He directed officers to conduct intensive vehicle checks day and night to prevent drug smuggling.

Action against corrupt officials and drug smugglers

Mann warned of strict action against police officers involved in drug use or colluding with drug traffickers. He ordered the immediate seizure of properties belonging to convicted drug smugglers, emphasizing 100 per cent property confiscation and demolition in commercial drug cases.

He also directed police officers to identify drug hotspots and conduct CASO (Cordon and Search Operations) every fortnight, as well as weekly searches in jails. He called for round-the-clock police dominance in these areas, focusing on drug recoveries and ensuring that any misbehavior by drug smugglers against police was met with strict action.

Strengthening de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts

Mann urged Deputy Commissioners, CPs, and SSPs to coordinate efforts in implementing de-addiction and prevention strategies. He instructed Deputy Commissioners to regularly inspect both government and private de-addiction, rehabilitation, and OOAT centers to ensure adequate staffing, medicines, security, and hygiene.

He also directed SDMs and field officials to visit the homes of drug overdose victims and families of addicts to provide support. Announcing plans to introduce anti-drug courses in school curriculums, he said the Education Department would take necessary steps to implement them.

Additionally, he instructed officials to ensure that families of drug overdose victims received financial assistance from the CM Relief Fund.