Harbhajan Singh Criticizes Punjab's Demolition of Drug Smugglers' Properties

Synopsis

AAP MP Harbhajan Singh has publicly criticized Punjab's demolition of drug smugglers' properties, advocating for arrests instead. He supports the Punjab Police's efforts in the drug eradication campaign, which has seen significant seizures and arrests.

Key Takeaways

AAP MP Harbhajan Singh disagrees with demolishing houses of drug smugglers.
He advocates for the arrest of drug suppliers instead.
Punjab’s War Against Drugs has led to significant seizures.
Properties of 29 drug traffickers have been demolished.
The AAP government is committed to eradicating drugs.

Chandigarh, March 19 (NationPress) AAP Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Harbhajan Singh has voiced his opposition to the Punjab government’s decision to demolish properties and assets belonging to drug smugglers. In a video statement, he expressed his disagreement with the government’s approach of using JCB machines to tear down the homes of drug peddlers, emphasizing, “I believe that instead of demolishing houses, drug suppliers should be apprehended.”

Subsequently, the former Indian cricketer took to X to clarify, stating, “I wholeheartedly support the Punjab Police and the government. At last, we have a government that is committed to eliminating drugs, and the message is unequivocal.”

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema mentioned last week that the ongoing ‘War Against Drugs’ initiative has yielded positive outcomes, with over 81 kg of heroin, more than 51 kg of opium, and Rs 60 lakh in cash seized within a mere 13 days. A total of 1,259 first information reports (FIRs) have been filed under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), leading to the arrest of 1,759 drug traffickers. Furthermore, the police have confiscated around 7.5 lakh intoxicating tablets and 970 kg of poppy husk along with various synthetic drugs, he stated.

Additionally, the properties of 29 individuals linked to drug trafficking have been demolished. Cheema noted that these individuals had accumulated crores of rupees in illegal assets through smuggling activities.

He affirmed that the AAP government is dedicated to eradicating drugs from Punjab. The police are tirelessly working to take action against drug traffickers. He assured that no one involved in drug activities would escape justice, and in the upcoming days, all such individuals would find themselves behind bars.

Cheema remarked that, in contrast to prior administrations that shielded drug traffickers, the AAP government is enforcing strict measures against them. He accused previous Akali-BJP and Congress governments of conspiring to ensnare the youth in drug addiction through a calculated plan.