Dhaliwal Says NCRB Report Exposes the Reality of Punjab Government’s “War Against Drugs” Campaign

Phagwara, June 16, 2026: Retired IAS officer and Phagwara MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal expressed serious concern over the continuously worsening drug menace in Punjab. He said that NCRB data and the rising number of overdose deaths have exposed the reality behind the Punjab Government’s claims of eliminating drugs from the state.
He stated that three youths have died due to drug overdoses in the districts of Jalandhar and Zira within the last 48 hours. According to him, these deaths have shattered the government’s claims under its “War Against Drugs” campaign.
Dhaliwal said that, according to media reports, 139 people died from drug overdoses in 2024, compared to 106 deaths in the previous year. The reports also revealed that 34 people have already died from overdoses in the first four months of 2025, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
He urged the Punjab Government to take decisive action against drug trafficking networks, implement effective rehabilitation programs for youth, and fix accountability for deaths caused by drug abuse. He said that the people of Punjab want to know how many more lives will be lost before responsibility is determined.
Dhaliwal further stated that, according to NCRB statistics, 12,113 cases were registered under the NDPS Act in Punjab during 2024, compared to 11,026 cases in 2023. This increase, he said, proves that the drug trafficking network remains active in the state and that the government’s strategy has failed to deliver the expected results.
He added that behind every overdose death is a shattered family, grieving parents, and a heartbreaking story of unfulfilled dreams. No parent should have to endure the pain of losing a young son or daughter, yet such incidents are occurring repeatedly in Punjab and continue to shock society.
Dhaliwal said that the government appears more focused on advertisements, publicity, and grand claims, while Punjab’s youth are paying the highest price. People no longer need speeches and announcements; they need accountability, concrete action, and visible results on the ground.