Chandigarh, July 14:
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Tuesday said the Bhagwant Mann Government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ has emerged as a people’s movement that is delivering tangible results through a three-pronged strategy of strict enforcement, comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation, and sustained prevention.
Addressing a press conference as the campaign completed 500 days, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the initiative, launched by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann under the vision of AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, is focused on protecting Punjab’s youth and securing the state’s future through a systematic and holistic approach. “The slogan of our campaign is ‘Protect, Heal and Prevent.’ This is not merely an anti-drug drive. It is a mission to save Punjab’s coming generations. Mann and Kejriwal had promised the people that Punjab would be freed from the scourge of drugs, and today we are fulfilling that promise with honesty, determination and a well-planned strategy,” he said.
The Punjab Health Minister stated, “Our government has adopted a holistic approach by integrating the Police Department, Health Department, Education Department, Sports Department, Prisons Department and Social Security Department. The campaign is simultaneously targeting drug traffickers, treating those suffering from addiction and ensuring that future generations never fall into the trap of substance abuse.”
Highlighting the achievements of the campaign, Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said, “Since the launch of Yudh Nashean Virudh on March 1, 2025, 52,432 FIRs have been registered under the NDPS Act. More than 73,300 drug peddlers have been arrested across Punjab, including 621 big fishes caught with over 2 kilos of heroin. These figures reflect the seriousness with which the Bhagwant Mann Government is dismantling the drug network.”
Dr. Balbir said the campaign has succeeded because it enjoys the confidence and active participation of the people. “The Safe Punjab Helpline (97791-00200) has received 46,342 public tip-offs during these 500 days, resulting in the arrest of 22,960 drug traffickers. This level of public participation clearly shows that people now trust the government and law enforcement agencies in the fight against drugs,” he said.
Comparing the government’s performance with previous administrations, the Health Minister said, “During ten years of the Akali government, 2,817 kg of heroin was recovered, while the Congress government recovered 2,412 kg in five years. Together, they seized 5,229 kg in fifteen years. In comparison, the Bhagwant Singh Mann Government has recovered 6,608 kg of heroin in just four years.”
“These figures speak for themselves. Honest intentions and clear policies have made this possible. Punjab has strengthened anti-drone surveillance and intensified enforcement against drug trafficking,” he added.