Punjab Minister Raises Alarm Over Haryana Official's Arrest and Heroin Seizure
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Haryana official's arrest linked to drug trade raises alarms, prompting Punjab's Finance Minister to call for deeper investigations into inter-state enforcement involvement.
Key Takeaways
- Arrest of eight operatives raises alarm.
- Four kg of heroin seized by Punjab Police.
- Investigation aimed at identifying gang leaders.
- Significant drug seizures reported in recent campaign.
- Involvement of local leaders in anti-drug efforts.
Chandigarh, April 10 (NationPress) The ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Cabinet Sub-Committee Chairman Harpal Cheema announced on Thursday that the apprehension of eight significant operatives, which includes an official from an enforcement agency hailing from Haryana, along with the confiscation of four kg of heroin by the Punjab Police, has sparked concerns regarding the involvement of enforcement personnel from other states in the drug trafficking network.
Finance Minister Cheema informed the press that a thorough investigation will be launched to uncover the leader of this group, with rigorous legal actions to follow, irrespective of their rank.
The enforcement official is reported to be from Rohtak.
Cheema attributed some blame to the Centre, asserting that while the state is diligently working to combat drug trafficking along the border, the Union government appears to be neglecting its responsibilities.
Updating on the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, he stated that the comprehensive initiative has led to the filing of 3,279 cases under the NDPS Act and the detention of 5,537 individuals in the last 41 days.
Significant seizures during this campaign include 212 kg of heroin, 6,945 kg of poppy husk, 105 kg of opium, 50 kg of ganja, six kg of charas, and nearly nine lakh banned tablets and capsules.
Additionally, approximately Rs 6 crore in drug money has been recovered, and properties belonging to 57 drug traffickers have been demolished to send a clear message.
Highlighting a recent rally in Ludhiana led by Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Finance Minister noted that the campaign has successfully engaged the youth across both rural and urban areas.
Cheema pointed out that panch-sarpanch and municipal councilors are actively involved in this initiative against the drug trade.
He also mentioned that for the first time, a budget has been allocated in the Punjab budget for an anti-drone system and a drug census to enhance actions against drugs.
“Moreover, approximately Rs 980 crore has been earmarked to promote sports and divert youth away from drugs,” he stated.
He further questioned the widespread drug issues in other states, asking, “Have any states governed by the Congress or BJP ever initiated such actions?”
In a pointed critique of previous administrations, Cheema accused the Akali Dal-BJP coalition and Congress governments of neglecting the drug crisis.
He noted that despite assurances from former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh to eradicate drugs in four weeks, the issue has persisted.
“In contrast, the Aam Aadmi Party-led government has been diligently working for the past three years to tackle the drug menace, with the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign symbolizing a resolute effort to eliminate this issue,” he added.
