War against drugs in Punjab, action intensified under Mann government, 40% increase in NDPS cases

The ‘War on Drugs’ campaign being run under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann in Punjab is showing effective, fast and concrete results. Latest figures show that there has been a significant increase in action against drugs, drug trafficking networks have been largely dismantled and there has been a significant improvement in the conviction rate against culprits.

Number of arrests increased

According to the data, 73,541 NDPS cases have been registered during the years 2022 to 2026 (so far), showing an increase of more than 40 percent compared to 52,255 cases in 2017–2021. The number of arrests has also increased from 68,064 to 98,596, reflecting the sustained and comprehensive crackdown against drug trafficking networks across the state.

The figures of seizures further clarify the success of this campaign. A massive 148% jump has been recorded in heroin seizures—5,979 kg of heroin has been seized since 2022, compared to 2,412 kg during 2017–21. Seizure of opium has also increased by more than 43% to 3,583 kg, which reflects the intensified action at the ground level.

A particularly significant increase has been seen in action against synthetic drugs. Seizures of ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) have increased from 17 kg to 93 kg, an increase of 447%. The seizure of cocaine was 6,064 kg, which is almost equal to the earlier 6,852 kg.

The reach of this campaign has now extended to misuse of medicines also. 8.7 crore pills and capsules have been seized during 2022–26, indicating a major hit to the supply chain to curb the rising drug addiction, especially among the youth.

The most important thing is that the positive results of this action are also visible in the justice system. The conviction rate for culprits has increased to 89%, reflecting strong investigation, evidence collection and effective prosecution.

What did DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav say?

DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav said, “This is not just an increase in action, but a fundamental change in the way the drug menace is tackled. The increase in cases and seizures reflects intelligence-based action, while the rising conviction rate shows that cases are being taken to their logical conclusion. There has been sustained pressure on the entire chain from supplier to distributor.”

He said that the comprehensiveness and continuity of this action is the result of the clear strategic thinking of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, under which the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign has become a major part of active and decisive action across the state.

While the increase in seizures reflects intensified action at the ground level, the government has clarified that the main objective is to break drug networks and reduce the availability of drugs, to ensure lasting and long-term impact of the campaign.