In Punjab, which was once struggling with a serious drug problem, now the story of a decisive fight against the same problem is being written. The ‘War against Drugs’ campaign, which started from March 1, 2025, has now taken the form of a social movement and not just a government program. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had made it clear in the beginning that there would be no room left for drug smugglers in the state and within a year the figures seem to confirm this intention.
The arrest of 49,436 smugglers and registration of more than 34 thousand FIRs till February 2026 shows the intensity of this campaign. The recovery of 1,961 kg heroin, 607 kg opium, 27.5 quintals of poppy, 47.57 lakh intoxicating pills and 28 kg ICE has dealt a deep blow to the drug network.
Apart from this, assets worth more than Rs 263 crore of 548 smugglers were frozen. The message of the government is clear, drug trade is no longer a profitable deal.
Anti-drone systems have been deployed in border districts like Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Amritsar to stop smuggling through drones from across the border. 2,367 CCTV cameras are being installed on the international border. This strategy shows that the government is adopting technology-based solutions to the law and order issue.
By freezing Rs 80 crore of cyber fraud, it was also indicated that no matter what form the crime takes, the action will be comprehensive.
Strict action was also taken against drug terrorism and gangster networks. In 2025, 12 terrorist incidents were solved and 50 module members were arrested. The Internal Security Wing busted 19 modules and arrested 131 people, while the Anti-Gangster Task Force busted 416 modules and arrested 992 gangsters. This shows that the campaign is not just limited to drugs but is also targeting the criminal infrastructure associated with it.
Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria has also praised this campaign. At a time when the government and the governor have been at odds on many issues, this praise is being considered an important sign that the fight against drugs is getting widespread support.
