Punjab on War Footing Against Drugs: 42,000 Smugglers Arrested, 350 Kingpins Targeted in One Year, Says Kejriwal

Jan 2026 : Punjab has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking with unprecedented firmness, registering nearly 28,000 cases and arresting over 42,000 drug smugglers in the past year alone. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal said the state government has taken a resolute stand to make Punjab drug-free, breaking the backbone of the drug network that has plagued the state for years.

Addressing the issue, Kejriwal said that among those arrested, more than 350 major drug smugglers—considered the kingpins of the drug trade—have been apprehended. He added that strict action was taken against them under the law, including the bulldozing of illegally acquired properties, sending a strong message that drug trafficking will no longer be tolerated in Punjab.

“Our government has resolved to make Punjab drug-free. In the past year, around 28,000 cases have been registered and 42,000 drug smugglers have been arrested. Over 350 big smugglers were caught, their properties were demolished, and the spine of the drug mafia has been broken,” Kejriwal said.

The AAP leadership said this decisive action marks a clear departure from previous regimes, which, according to the party, allowed drug networks to flourish due to political patronage and weak enforcement. Kejriwal asserted that the current government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy, ensuring that no offender—regardless of influence or connections—is spared.

Officials said the crackdown has been carried out through coordinated efforts of the police, anti-narcotics task forces, and district administrations. Along with arrests, authorities have intensified surveillance along border areas, strengthened intelligence networks, and fast-tracked investigations to dismantle entire supply chains rather than targeting only small peddlers.

Kejriwal also emphasized that the government’s approach is not limited to enforcement alone. Parallel efforts are being made in drug de-addiction, rehabilitation, and awareness, especially among youth, to address the social dimensions of the problem. The aim, he said, is not just to punish criminals but to protect future generations from falling prey to addiction.

The AAP leader reiterated that making Punjab drug-free is a moral and social responsibility, and the government will continue this campaign with full force. “This is a fight for the future of Punjab’s youth. We will not stop until drugs are completely eliminated from the state,” he said.

The large-scale action has been projected by AAP as one of the most aggressive anti-drug drives in the country, reflecting the government’s commitment to restoring Punjab’s image and safeguarding public health and social stability.

Team Maverick.