Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered a decisive 'final assault' against drug smugglers, marking a critical phase in the state's anti-drug campaign. The movement has transitioned from a policing effort into a massive people's movement fueled by community participation.

  • CM Bhagwant Mann has called for a 'final assault' to eradicate drug hotspots.
  • Over 19,310 FIRs have been registered via the 'Safe Punjab' app.
  • 14,846 Village Defence Committees (VDCs) are actively supporting the campaign.
  • More than 5,500 smugglers have been arrested based on VDC complaints this year.

Chandigarh: In a decisive move to cleanse the state of narcotics, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has ordered the police to intensify operations against drug peddlers and smugglers. During a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister declared that the state's anti-drug campaign, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh', has entered its most critical stage, necessitating a "final assault" to dismantle the remaining supply networks.

Reviewing the progress of the campaign launched on March 1, 2025, Mann emphasized that the fight against drugs has evolved from a mere law enforcement operation into a widespread people's movement. He directed senior officials, including Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, to target specific drug hotspots and strengthen coordination with local residents to identify and neutralize smuggling routes.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the integration of grassroots community intelligence with digital reporting tools like the 'Safe Punjab' app represents a paradigm shift in Punjab's internal security strategy. By empowering local citizens, the government is attempting to break the socio-economic backbone of the drug trade that has long plagued the border state.

"The government will not rest until the menace of drugs is completely eradicated from Punjab." - Bhagwant Mann

A significant pillar of this campaign is the Village Defence Committees (VDCs). Currently, 14,846 VDCs with over 74,230 active members are operating across the state. Notably, 3,808 of these committees are stationed in sensitive border areas, playing a vital role in detecting cross-border smuggling activities. The Chief Minister noted a 41 percent increase in feedback from these committees, signaling robust public involvement.

The statistical impact of these efforts is substantial. Since January 2026, police have registered 4,129 FIRs and arrested 5,589 alleged smugglers based on VDC intelligence. Furthermore, the 'Safe Punjab' app has become a cornerstone of digital vigilance, resulting in 19,310 FIRs and the arrest of 25,138 alleged smugglers over the past year.

Historical Background

For decades, Punjab has faced the existential threat of drug trafficking, often linked to complex cross-border smuggling networks. While previous administrations attempted various enforcement measures, the current administration's focus on a hybrid model of digital reporting and community-led defense marks a new chapter in the state's struggle against narcotics.

Did You Know?: The 'Safe Punjab' app allows citizens to report drug-related crimes anonymously, significantly increasing the flow of intelligence to the police.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign?
It is a comprehensive anti-drug initiative launched by the Punjab government to eradicate drug supply chains through police action and public participation.

2. How do Village Defence Committees help?
VDCs act as local eyes and ears, monitoring suspicious activities in villages and providing direct intelligence to the police.