Punjab government to make the state drug-free: Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond

The Punjab government has intensified its efforts to combat drug abuse and rehabilitate affected individuals.

As part of this initiative, the government has vowed to hold drug smugglers accountable while ensuring proper treatment for those struggling with addiction.

Addressing the media after a meeting with officials at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Malerkotla, Punjab’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Labour Welfare, Industry and Commerce, and Rural Development and Panchayats, Tarunpreet Singh Sond, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises to the people of Punjab.

He stated that individuals who have fallen prey to drugs will receive treatment and be reintegrated into a healthy society.

He emphasized that the Punjab government’s campaign to make the state drug-free will play a decisive role, urging every section of society to cooperate in eradicating drug abuse.

Additionally, he stressed that private de-addiction centers will be held accountable, and their administrators must provide reports on the number of drug addicts treated.

Sond also appealed to families to seek help for their loved ones battling addiction, assuring them that "if any family member is addicted to drugs, they should be taken to a government de-addiction center, and the government promises to save their lives and give them a chance to lead a healthy life again."

Sending a strong warning to drug traffickers, he declared, "Either give up the drug business or leave Punjab." He underlined the need to safeguard the youth and vowed that those leading them astray would not be spared. As part of awareness efforts, he directed officials to install awareness boards at all public places.

Deputy Commissioner Viraj S. Tidke presented an overview of the ongoing efforts in the district, assuring full support for the state government’s campaign.

Senior Superintendent of Police Gagan Ajit Singh highlighted recent law enforcement actions, revealing that the district police had attached property worth Rs 13.3 crore in 18 drug-related cases over the past few days. On his arrival, he was honored with a Guard of Honour by the district police.

The meeting was attended by MLA Malerkotla Dr. Jamil Ur Rehman, MLA Amargarh Prof. Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra, Chairman of the District Planning Board Saqib Ali Raja, Additional Deputy Commissioners Sukhpreet Singh Sidhu and Navdeep Kaur, along with other officials.