In a state-wide anti-drug drive, Punjab Police on Saturday conducted raids at 750 locations after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday set a deadline of three months to make the state drug-free. On Saturday, the cabinet sub-committee held its first meeting on the "Yudh Nashia Virudh" (Fight Against Addiction) campaign.
Officials told PTI that around 12,000 police personnel were involved in the operation. The Punjab government has launched a renewed push against the state's drug problem.
The state government has formed a committee headed by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to monitor the actions of the police and health departments in dealing with the drug issues.
About The Anti-Drug Drive In Punjab
Addressing the media after the meeting, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema told reporters that the first meeting of the "Yudh Nashia Virudh" campaign was held to ensure strict action against drug peddlers and drug smugglers.
"The Aam Aadmi Party has launched a big attack against drugs. CM Bhagwant Mann has issued strict instructions. As per directions of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal's directions, we will take strict action. Soon, not even a single drug peddler will be found in Punjab," he claimed.
Duties Divided Amongst Committee Members
As per PTI, members of the cabinet sub-committee have been assigned different districts to monitor the police action against the drug menace.
While Cheema said he will visit Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, Rupnagar and Tarn Taran districts, Arora will monitor Ludhiana, Patiala, Kapurthala, Mohali, Amritsar and Jalandhar.
Minister Taranpreet Singh Sond on the other hand will visit Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Fatehgarh Sahib, Moga and Malerkotla and Laljit Singh Bhullar will see Faridkot, Mukstar, Fazilka, Mansa and Ferozepur.
Health Minister Balbir Singh will supervise the drug de-addiction and rehabilitation programme in the state.
