Over 30,000 drug cases registered, 43,000 arrested since March 1; conviction rate touches record 87–88%: Baltej Pannu

Chandigarh / Phagwara, January 7, 2026: With Punjab’s decisive anti-drug offensive entering a new and more aggressive phase, the Aam Aadmi Party government (AAP) on Tuesday formally launched Phase 2 of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, shifting the focus from large-scale enforcement to community-led vigilance and zero tolerance. Building on the outcomes of Phase 1, which saw over 30,000 drug cases registered, more than 43,000 arrests and a record conviction rate of nearly 87–88 percent, the renewed push aims to tighten the noose around drug peddlers by placing villages and neighbourhoods at the centre of the fight. 
 
The launch of ‘Pind De Pehredar’, a growing force of nearly 1.5 lakh volunteers, along with a dedicated mobile application enabling direct and confidential reporting, marks a clear escalation of the campaign, signalling that Punjab’s war against drugs has moved decisively into a people-driven phase where citizens are no longer spectators but frontline enforcers.
 
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said the anti-drug campaign launched by the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab Government is not merely a government initiative but a mass people’s movement aimed at wiping out the blot of drugs from Punjab permanently. “The campaign was formally launched on March 1, 2025, with a clear resolve to fight drugs like a war, at every level and without compromise,” he said.
 
The AAP Punjab Media In-charge stated, “The fight against drugs was launched on March 1, 2025, with a clear resolve to fight it like a war. Punjab was first divided into five zones, followed by the appointment of zone heads, district-level teams, ward-level outreach and finally door-to-door and village-level mobilisation with active support from the Nasha Mukti Morcha. We reached every village, every ward and every mohalla.”
 
Sharing concrete data from the campaign, Baltej Pannu said that between March 1 and January 5, Punjab Police registered 30,104 drug-related cases and arrested 43,437 accused. He added that during this period, police recovered 1,886 kilograms of heroin, 0.266 kilograms of smack, 603 kilograms of opium and 27,374 kilograms of poppy husk. “These are not hollow claims but solid results of a sustained and well-planned crackdown,” he said.
 
Highlighting the impact of the campaign, Baltej Pannu said Punjab’s conviction rate in drug-related cases has now risen to nearly 87–88 percent, the highest the state has ever seen. “Earlier, such conviction rates were unimaginable. Today, police, the administration and social organisations are fighting together, and the results are clearly visible on the ground,” he said.
 
Explaining the approach of Phase 1, Baltej Pannu said it focused not only on strict enforcement but also on changing social behaviour. “People were urged not to support drug smugglers and not to hate drug users, but instead help them reach government de-addiction centres. We transformed these centres by improving medicines, testing facilities and the overall environment, so people no longer fear going there,” he said.
 
He further said that innovative rehabilitation models were introduced to ensure long-term recovery. Citing a pilot project from Fatehgarh Sahib, Baltej Pannu said ITI instructors were brought directly to de-addiction centres. “Those who quit drugs completely were connected with skill training and jobs, so that they do not fall back into addiction,” Baltej Pannu said.
 
Announcing the launch of Phase 2 of the anti-drug campaign, Baltej Pannu said it was formally rolled out today at Lovely Professional University in the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal. He said Phase 2 will focus on community vigilance and a zero-tolerance approach against drug peddling.
 
Under Phase 2, Village Defence Committees named ‘Pindaan De Pehredar’ or Village Guardians will play a decisive role, Baltej Pannu said. “Today, between 1.25 lakh and 1.5 lakh people have already joined as village guardians, showing the strength of public participation in this movement,” he said.
 
Baltej Pannu said AAP has also launched a dedicated mobile application accessible only to registered village guardians. “Through this app, they can confidentially report information about drug sellers, including names, locations, addresses or contact details. The identity of the informer will remain completely protected,” Baltej Pannu asserted. He added that the information will go directly to the Chief Minister and the DGP, triggering immediate investigation and swift action within hours, depending on the nature of the case.
 
He also announced the launch of a missed call number to allow any Punjabi to join the anti-drug movement easily. “Anyone who wants to be part of this war against drugs can join with just one missed call. We are confident that in the coming days, lakhs of people will join this mission,” Baltej Pannu said.
 
Concluding, Baltej Pannu said the government and people together are determined to eliminate drug peddling from Punjab. “We are creating an environment where drug peddlers will disappear, just like dinosaurs vanished years ago. This is a people’s war, and together we will make Punjab completely drug-free,” Baltej Pannu said.