Synopsis
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlights the success of the ongoing 'War Against Drugs' campaign, which has led to the seizure of over 81 kg of heroin and 51 kg of opium within a short span of 13 days, alongside numerous arrests and property demolitions linked to drug trafficking.Key Takeaways
- Over 81 kg of heroin seized.
- More than 51 kg of opium confiscated.
- Rs 60 lakh in cash recovered.
- 1,759 drug traffickers apprehended.
- Properties of 29 individuals linked to drug trafficking demolished.
Chandigarh, March 13 (NationPress) Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Thursday that the ongoing 'War Against Drugs' initiative has yielded significant results with the confiscation of over 81 kg of heroin, more than 51 kg of opium, and Rs 60 lakh in cash in just 13 days.
A total of 1,259 first information reports (FIRs) have been recorded under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), leading to the arrest of 1,759 drug traffickers.
Furthermore, around 7.5 lakh intoxicating tablets and 970 kg of poppy husk along with various synthetic drugs have been seized by the police, he stated.
Additionally, the properties of 29 individuals linked to drug trafficking have been demolished.
Cheema remarked that these individuals had amassed crores of rupees through illegal activities. He affirmed that the AAP government is dedicated to eliminating drugs from Punjab. The police are actively working and taking decisive actions against drug traffickers.
He emphasized that no one involved in drug activities would escape justice, and in the forthcoming days, all such individuals will be incarcerated.
Cheema criticized previous governments for shielding drug traffickers, asserting that the AAP government is enforcing strict measures against them. He accused the former Akali-BJP and Congress administrations of orchestrating a plan to ensnare the youth in drug addiction.
He mentioned that a Cabinet sub-committee comprising five ministers, which he leads, has been working to effectively implement this campaign. This committee will convene in Chandigarh on Friday to deliberate and strategize further actions.
In the meantime, the Amritsar district administration demolished the residence of notorious drug smuggler Ajay Kumar Billi. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar indicated that five cases have been filed against Ajay Kumar in various police stations, including one under the NDPS Act. He reiterated that the district administration will persist in taking action against drug traffickers until they either reform or leave Punjab. The demolition was executed using a JCB machine and workers.
