NEW DELHI: Aam Admi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal issued a firm warning on Sunday to drug dealers, asserting that Punjab would be completely liberated from the drug crisis. “Our administration has initiated a significant battle against drugs in Punjab. Drugs have devastated a considerable number of our youth and children. Those who engage in the drug trade will face severe consequences. We will eliminate drugs from Punjab permanently,” Kejriwal expressed on X.
In response, the Punjab police, along with local authorities, have ramped up their anti-drug initiatives by demolishing two illegal properties linked to suspected drug peddlers in Khanpur village, situated in Phillaur Tehsil of Jalandhar district. DSP Sarwan Singh of Phillaur confirmed that drug traders had encroached upon land in two villages. He noted the demolition of the home belonging to notorious drug smuggler Jasvir Sheera in Khanpur village, and actions taken against another illegal property owned by a female drug supplier in a different village. “Drug suppliers have encroached in two villages. A known drug supplier, Jasvir Sheera, had constructed a house here, which we have demolished. In another village, we are also tearing down the house belonging to a woman drug peddler. This serves as a strong message from the police. If anyone has erected properties or anything using drug money or illicit funds, we will take decisive action,” DSP Singh informed ANI.
Earlier, on February 24, officials had demolished illegal structures linked to drug smuggler Sonu from Talwandi village. According to AAP, Sonu had been engaged in drug-related activities for three years and had several criminal charges, with six FIRs lodged against him. The party’s Public Relations Officer reaffirmed the commitment of the authorities to dismantle drug operations and to protect community welfare.
The Punjab government has announced extensive measures to combat drug abuse, instructing enforcement agencies to implement vigorous operations across the region. District administrators have been tasked with ensuring that adequate rehabilitation and de-addiction services are available.
“The Punjab Government has resolved to launch a massive campaign against drugs in the upcoming weeks, coordinated through Law Enforcement Agencies. This may lead to discomfort among habitual drug users. To gradually guide them away from addiction, all District Collectors are directed to ensure the availability of sufficient rehabilitation and drug de-addiction centres, equipped with necessary tools and medicines, including Buprenorphine, testing kits, and qualified personnel,” the announcement stated. A senior IAS officer has been appointed to oversee the readiness of these centres.
