War against drugs will continue till final eradication: Punjab Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar, a member of the sub-committee formed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, reaffirmed the Punjab Government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse.

He stressed that making Punjab drug-free and vibrant is a collective responsibility that requires active social participation.

During a visit to Fazilka, he chaired a meeting with officials from various departments, directing them to play an active role in the anti-drug campaign. He highlighted that properties acquired through drug trafficking are being seized, and unauthorized constructions linked to the drug trade are being demolished.

He urged village panchayats and municipal councils to hold Gram Sabha meetings and pass resolutions to boycott drug traffickers. Additionally, he suggested that individuals acting as guarantors for drug traffickers’ bail should also be socially boycotted.

Comparing drugs to a wildfire that can cause widespread destruction, he acknowledged the contributions of different sections of society in combating the crisis. He assured that the identities of those providing information about drug traffickers would be kept confidential and that their security would be ensured.

Addressing the media, Bhullar emphasized strict measures against medical drug abuse and illegal liquor. Given Fazilka’s proximity to Rajasthan (79 km) and Pakistan (108 km), the government is also considering installing anti-drone technology to curb cross-border drug smuggling.

He recognized villages that have made significant progress in the anti-drug campaign, announcing rewards for fully drug-free villages while intensifying measures in high-risk areas.

Responding to queries, he stated that the Transport Department would implement strict guidelines to prevent drug smuggling via buses, warning that any driver or conductor found involved would face strict action.

Upon arrival in the district, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu and SSP Varinder Singh Brar welcomed him and presented a district report.

Key Developments

57 cases registered under the NDPS Act in two months – In 2025, Fazilka district recorded 57 cases under the NDPS Act, leading to 83 arrests. Authorities seized 6.512 kg of heroin, 254,040 intoxicating pills and capsules, and over ₹5.4 lakh in drug money.

The campaign focuses on six key areas, including action against smugglers, awareness campaigns, and rehabilitation efforts.

Safeguarding youth through educational initiatives – Schools and colleges in Fazilka have launched preventive measures to shield students from drug abuse. A total of 35,501 buddy groups have been formed, and 3,509 co-curricular activities were conducted in the current academic year to promote awareness.

Free treatment for drug victims – The district operates nine outpatient opioid-assisted treatment (OOAT) clinics, two de-addiction centers, and one rehabilitation center. The Punjab Government considers drug addicts as patients and provides them with free and confidential treatment.

1,000 new buses for Punjab – The Transport Department plans to procure 1,000 new buses. The feasibility of starting bus services from Fazilka to Amritsar and introducing mini-buses for evening retreat ceremonies at Sadiqi Checkpost is also being explored.

Dignitaries Present

The event was attended by MLAs Amandeep Singh Goldy Musafir (Balluana) and Fauja Singh Sarari (Guru Har Sahai), former MLA Arun Narang, DIG (Ferozepur Range) Swapn Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, SSP Varinder Singh Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Mandeep Kaur, ADC (Development) Subhash Chander, SDM Kanwarjit Singh Mann, Civil Surgeon Eric, District Planning Board Chairman Sunil Sachdeva, and Market Committee Chairpersons Upkar Singh (Abohar) and Devraj Sharma (Jalalabad), along with officials from various departments.