AAP’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign Sees Success in War Against Drugs, Says Harpal Cheema

Chandigarh, March 12, 2025 — Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema lauded the success of the state government’s anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, describing it as highly effective in the fight against drug abuse. Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh on Tuesday, Cheema shared significant achievements of the campaign, which has been running for the past 11 days.

According to Cheema, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the anti-drug initiative has shown remarkable progress. “The results of the ‘War Against Drugs’ are highly encouraging, and I am confident that Punjab will soon be a completely drug-free state,” he stated.

The Punjab police have seized large quantities of narcotics, including 76 kg of heroin, 50 kg of opium, and approximately ₹50 lakh in cash. The police have also registered 1,072 FIRs under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, arresting 1,485 drug peddlers. In addition, 7 lakh drug tablets, 4.5 kg of drug powder, 1.25 kg of narcotic ice, and 950 kg of poppy husk (bhuki) have been seized. The police have also demolished the properties of 26 drug traffickers who had amassed wealth through illegal activities.

Cheema emphasized that these actions demonstrate the seriousness of the AAP Government’s commitment to eradicating drugs from the state. He assured that police operations against drug smugglers are being conducted round-the-clock, adding that individuals involved in drug trafficking would have to either quit or face legal consequences.

Cheema also took the opportunity to criticize previous state governments for failing to take effective action against drug smugglers. He accused the Congress-led government, under former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, of making false promises to rid the state of drugs within four weeks, only to shield drug traffickers. He further accused both the Congress and the Akali-BJP governments of intentionally causing the youth to fall into drug addiction.

Cheema pointed out the significant increase in conviction rates under the AAP government. While the conviction rate in drug-related cases was 58% during the Congress regime and 40% under the Akali-BJP government, it has now risen to 86% under AAP’s leadership. In some districts, the conviction rate has reached as high as 90-95%.

The Finance Minister’s statement underscored the AAP government’s dedication to eradicating drugs and bringing justice to those involved in the drug trade.