Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Aman Arora issued a strict warning to drug traffickers, stating, “Either abandon the drug trade or leave Punjab.”
He reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to its zero-tolerance policy against drugs, led by AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, under the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign.
Addressing the media after reviewing the anti-drug campaign at the District Administrative Complex, Arora highlighted the government’s success in curbing drug-related activities. He noted that a three-tier strategy—enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation—is being implemented to dismantle both the supply and demand for drugs.
Providing recent statistics, he shared that from March 1 to date, 1,651 cases have been registered, 2,575 drug traffickers arrested, 1,322 kilograms of drugs seized, and ₹64.26 lakh in drug money recovered.
Arora also made it clear that properties built by drug traffickers using illicit funds, with backing from previous governments, will be demolished. He stressed that as a border state, Punjab prioritizes maintaining peace and harmony, and strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt communal stability.
On rehabilitation efforts, he mentioned that the Employment Bureau is providing skill training to help recovering addicts become self-sufficient. Inmates in jails are also being trained in various trades to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Arora further highlighted the expansion of ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan,’ a grassroots sports initiative, which will see participation from over 5.5 lakh children and youth this year. Additionally, panchayats and social organizations are being involved in the anti-drug movement, and he urged public support to eliminate drug abuse in Punjab.
Responding to queries about increasing police presence, Arora announced that 10,000 new police personnel will soon be deployed, with an additional 2,100 officers recruited annually.
During the event, the Minister also launched a district administration helpline (98882-19247) to assist individuals seeking skill development training.
Earlier, he reviewed the progress of the War Against Drugs campaign with officials and instructed them to intensify awareness programs in educational institutions. The Punjab Police contingent also presented him with a Guard of Honour.
Among those present at the meeting were MLA Raja Gill, Sajjan Singh Cheema, Joginder Singh Mann, Harsimran Singh Ghuman, Lalit Saklani, Deputy Commissioner Amit Kumar Panchal, SSP Gaurav Toora, and other senior officials.