He said his administration was dismantling supply networks, rehabilitating addicts and acting firmly against traffickers.

Punjab’s War on Drugs Enters Second Phase, CM Bhagwant Mann Seeks Public Participation 

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann put an end to speculation over his participation by arriving at the Aam Aadmi Party’s rally in Killi Chahal village of Moga district, where he renewed his government’s commitment to eliminating drugs from Punjab. Addressing the gathering, he raised the slogan “Zindagi zindabad, no murdabad” and concluded with “love you all," striking an emotional note.

Launching the second phase of the anti-drug campaign, Mann accused previous governments of allowing the drug problem to grow for political and financial reasons. He said his administration was dismantling supply networks, rehabilitating addicts and acting firmly against traffickers. Since the drive began on March 1, 2025, he claimed it has evolved into a public movement.

He highlighted that over 1.5 lakh Village Defence Committee members have enrolled, with more than 70,000 ID cards issued. Through a dedicated app, over 33,000 tips were received, leading to about 17,000 arrests, while informers’ identities remain protected.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal called for collective action, blaming earlier regimes for patronising drug networks. Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh said 2,046 kg of drugs were seized in 2025 and 25,000 youths rehabilitated. DGP Gaurav Yadav reported over 34,000 FIRs, 45,000 arrests and a 90 per cent conviction rate under the NDPS Act.

Source: The Tribune