The Punjab government is gearing up to intensify its battle against the narcotics menace with the launch of the second phase of its flagship 'War Against Drugs' campaign. The new offensive is scheduled to commence on January 5, 2024, building upon the groundwork laid during the initial phase.
Building on Initial Successes
According to Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the first phase of the drive yielded significant results. Police officials reported registering over 49,000 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This aggressive enforcement led to the arrest of more than 60,000 individuals allegedly involved in drug peddling and consumption.
The crackdown also resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit substances. Authorities confiscated huge amounts of heroin, opium, poppy husk, and synthetic drugs, dealing a financial blow to the trafficking networks operating within the state.
New Focus: Awareness and Rehabilitation
While the first phase emphasized enforcement and supply chain disruption, the second phase will adopt a more holistic approach. A key pillar of the new strategy involves a massive youth awareness campaign. The police, in collaboration with educational institutions and community groups, plan to engage directly with young people across Punjab.
The objective is to educate them about the devastating physical, mental, and social consequences of drug abuse. Furthermore, the drive will strongly emphasize drug de-addiction and rehabilitation. Efforts will be scaled up to encourage addicts to seek help and provide them with accessible pathways to recovery, treating addiction as a public health issue alongside a law and order challenge.
Strategic Directions and Targets
DGP Yadav outlined the comprehensive plan during a recent review meeting with senior police officers from all districts. He instructed them to prepare detailed, district-specific strategies for the launch. The directives for the second phase are clear and multifaceted:
- Intensify efforts to apprehend big fish and top-level drug smugglers to dismantle supply networks.
- Focus on outdoor drug peddling to make public spaces safer and reduce easy access to drugs.
- Forge stronger partnerships with NGOs and civil society organizations to amplify the reach of awareness and rehabilitation programs.
- Ensure the campaign's momentum is sustained consistently, moving beyond short-term crackdowns to a long-term strategic mission.
A Sustained Commitment to a Drug-Free Punjab
The announcement of the second phase signals the state government's sustained commitment to eradicating the drug problem. By combining stringent police action with preventive education and compassionate rehabilitation, the authorities aim to create a more durable impact. The success of this phase will be closely watched, as it represents a critical step in Punjab's ongoing struggle to secure a healthier, drug-free future for its citizens, particularly its youth.
The launch on January 5 is expected to see widespread police deployment and the initiation of community programs across the state's districts, marking a renewed chapter in this crucial war.
