'Preparations done on war footing': Punjab government announces big crackdown on drugs

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab on Monday announced the launch of "massive war against drugs" by establishing rehab and drug de-addiction centres in the state. The campaign is set to begin in the coming days.
"Punjab Government has decided to launch a massive war against drugs in the coming weeks through Law Enforcement Agencies. The action will start in the next few days," it said in a statement.
IAS officer Sandeep Kumar has been assigned to inspect the centers and report any deficiencies directly to higher authorities.

"This could cause distress amongst habitual users of drugs. In order to slowly wean them away from drugs, all DC's are hereby directed to ensure adequate number of rehab and Drug De-addiction centres equipped with necessary equipment and medicines including Buprenorephine medicine, testing kits, required staff etc. Preparations should be done on a war footing and each DC should be ready in next two days," the statement further read.
DCs have been held personally accountable for ensuring readiness, with strict disciplinary action warned in case of any lapses, it said.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report released last year in December, Punjab reported the highest number of drug overdose deaths in the country in 2023, with 144 cases. Rajasthan followed with 117 deaths, while Madhya Pradesh recorded 74.