Punjab's Renewed War on Drugs: A Battle for 'Badalta Punjab'

Arvind Kejriwal commends Punjab's intensified anti-drug campaign under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and DGP Gaurav Yadav. Over 3,900 smugglers have been arrested, and a significant amount of contraband has been seized. Authorities are mapping drug networks to dismantle supply chains and reduce street-level narcotics distribution.

In a decisive move to combat narcotics, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has lauded Punjab's aggressive campaign against drugs, spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. Dubbed 'Badalta Punjab,' the initiative aims to dismantle drug networks and target big suppliers in the state.

Since the launch of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign on March 1, 2025, the Punjab government has reported the arrest of 3,957 drug smugglers, following the registration of 2,248 FIRs. The operations have resulted in seizures, including 137.7 kg of heroin, significantly curbing street-level drug availability.

Police officials have been tasked to identify major drug suppliers within their districts. The effort involves an evidence-based mapping of drug channels through interrogation reports and intelligence inputs. DGP Gaurav Yadav has issued a stern warning against negligence, emphasizing timely and meticulous law enforcement operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)