Amid growing concerns over the rampant drug crisis, the Punjab government has embarked on an aggressive three-month campaign aimed at stamping out drug trafficking across the state. The operation, marked by 798 raids and 290 arrests along with substantial seizures of illicit substances, signals a renewed determination to tackle the scourge of drugs—a battle that has long been a part of Punjab’s troubled history.
Authorities have underscored the urgency of the mission as they link the state’s struggle to its geographical proximity to the notorious Golden Crescent—a sprawling region in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran known for its prolific heroin production. The current initiative, led by the Bhagwant Mann administration, is not merely an exercise in enforcement. It encompasses a broader strategy that includes deaddiction and rehabilitation efforts, tighter regulation of private drug deaddiction centres, and more stringent controls over the sale of prescription medications.
Despite the boldness of these measures, critics point to a litany of past efforts that have failed to deliver lasting results. In 2017, former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh launched an even more rapid campaign with promises to dismantle the drug trade in just four weeks. That drive, which also saw the introduction of annual drug tests for government employees and a dedicated drug abuse prevention officer initiative, ultimately fell short as the drug crisis continued unabated. Similar attempts during the tenure of the Badal-led SAD government were similarly marred by shortcomings.
The core of the issue, experts argue, lies not only in the tactics of law enforcement but in the systemic challenges that fuel the drug trade. While street-level addicts remain a primary focus, it is the elusive “big fish”—the masterminds behind extensive trafficking networks—that continue to operate with impunity. The persistent inflow of large consignments into Punjab, even in the face of intensified policing, suggests that deeper structural issues such as porous borders, political complicity, and the lack of viable economic alternatives for the youth remain largely unaddressed.
A mere three-month deadline, many say, is an unrealistic target for uprooting a problem so deeply entrenched in the socio-economic fabric of the state. Instead of quick-fix crackdowns that risk devolving into political theater, comprehensive structural reforms appear essential. Enhancing border security, streamlining judicial processes, and fostering community-led initiatives are among the measures that could pave the way for a sustainable solution.
As the state braces itself for another round of crackdowns, the question lingers: Will this campaign mark a turning point, or is it destined to become yet another chapter in Punjab’s ongoing struggle against drugs? Only time will tell if this renewed war on drugs can overcome the historical challenges that have long hindered the state’s progress towards a drug-free future.
