Punjab records 89% conviction rate in NDPS cases while demolishing 323 properties built from drug money; High conviction rate sends strong message to drug traffickers across Punjab: Harpal Singh Cheema
Bhagwant Mann Govt dismantles drug supply chains, arrests 3,173 suppliers & 429 major operators during ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’: Harpal Singh Cheema
Punjab Police seize heroin, opium, ICE, cocaine and over 49 lakh illicit pills as Punjab Govt intensifies war on drugs: Harpal Singh Cheema
Drug cartels hit where it hurts most as ₹241 crore assets frozen and ₹17 crore drug money recovered: Harpal Singh Cheema
CHANDIGARH, 9th March, 2026:
Addressing the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema delivered a comprehensive statement on behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann regarding the Punjab government’s ongoing aggressive and unprecedented action against drug trafficking. Responding to a question raised by Payal MLA Manwinder Singh Giaspura, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the success of the one year ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “From 1 March 2025 to 28 February 2026, the AAP government has launched an all out war against the drug trade through strict enforcement, community involvement and preventive education. During this period, Punjab Police registered 36,178 First Information Reports (FIRs) under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act and arrested 47,902 accused.”
Detailing that the AAP government is targeting the entire supply chain, he continued, “A total of 3,173 drug suppliers and distributors and 429 big fishes who were orchestrating this poison have also been arrested. Punjab Police seized 2,276 kilograms of heroin, 29 tonnes of poppy husk, 686 kilograms of opium and 786 kilograms of marijuana. In addition, 68 kilograms of charas, 4 kilograms of cocaine, 36 kilograms of ICE and more than 49 lakh illicit pills and capsules have also been recovered. Punjab Police recovered 285 drones and confiscated 338 kilograms of heroin that was being transported through these rogue drones, thereby cutting off a major supply route.”
Speaking about financial action against drug networks, the Finance Minister shared, “We are hitting these cartels where it hurts the most, their finances. Punjab Police has recovered ₹17 crore in direct drug money. More importantly, 65 major operators have been arrested, effectively dismantling illicit hawala networks in the region.”
Emphasising the importance of convictions in ensuring long term deterrence, he said, “Out of 6,822 decided cases, 6,083 resulted in convictions. This 89 percent conviction rate is the highest in the country and has been made possible through modernisation efforts such as digital evidence collection and rigorous financial tracking. Punjab Police has also arrested 47 proclaimed offenders, 636 absconders, 83 bail jumpers and 8 parole jumpers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The Punjab government will not allow drug money to build mansions in Punjab. A total of 323 illegally constructed properties belonging to drug smugglers have been demolished and illegally acquired assets worth ₹241 crore belonging to 569 drug smugglers have been frozen.”
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to eradicate drugs, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ is not just a police operation. It is our solemn commitment to the families of Punjab to eradicate this menace once and for all.”
