CHANDIGARH: Addressing the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema delivered a detailed statement on behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann about the Punjab government’s aggressive action against drug trafficking. Responding to a question raised by Payal MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura, he highlighted the achievements of the one-year ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign. From March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026, the government launched a strong crackdown on the drug trade through strict enforcement, community involvement and preventive awareness.
During this period, Punjab Police registered 36,178 FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and arrested 47,902 accused. Police also targeted the entire drug supply chain, arresting 3,173 drug suppliers and distributors along with 429 major traffickers. Large quantities of narcotics were seized, including 2,276 kg heroin, 29 tonnes of poppy husk, 686 kg opium, 786 kg marijuana, 68 kg charas, 4 kg cocaine, 36 kg ICE and over 49 lakh illegal pills and capsules. Authorities also recovered 285 drones and seized 338 kg heroin being transported through these drones.
The Finance Minister also highlighted financial action against drug networks. Police recovered ₹17 crore in drug money and arrested 65 major operators involved in illegal hawala networks. Out of 6,822 decided cases, 6,083 resulted in convictions, giving Punjab an 89% conviction rate. The government also demolished 323 illegally built properties of drug smugglers and froze assets worth ₹241 crore belonging to 569 traffickers. Cheema reaffirmed that the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign is the government’s firm commitment to completely eradicate the drug menace from Punjab.
