Chandigarh/Moga, March 18:

As part of Punjab Government's "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh" campaign, Cabinet Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Industries and Commerce, Investment Promotion, Labour, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond held a special meeting with the civil and police administration officials of Moga district. During the meeting, he emphasized that there is no place in Punjab for drug traffickers who are destroying the youth of the state.

Announcing the government's firm stance, the Minister stated that the Punjab Government will not rest until the state is completely free from drugs and drug traffickers are eliminated. He directed the administration to formulate a master plan for eradicating drugs in Moga and launch a widespread awareness campaign in schools and colleges to educate youth about the harmful effects of drug abuse, ensuring that future generations do not fall into this trap.

Mr. Sond emphasized the need for collective efforts to make the anti-drug campaign successful under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Singh Mann. He urged village panchayats to conduct awareness activities at the grassroots level to uproot the menace of drugs. He also stressed the importance of street plays in towns and villages to educate people about drug abuse and directed civil and police administration to coordinate their efforts effectively.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Mr. Sond called upon district officials to consider drug eradication as their social responsibility and work with full commitment. He instructed that panchayats should actively participate in this mission and encourage people to report drug dealers without fear, assuring that their identities would be kept confidential.

The Minister also appealed to families to take their addicted members to government-run de-addiction centers, assuring that the government is committed to rehabilitating them and giving them a chance to lead a healthy life.

Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, Mr. Sond said, "Either quit the drug trade or leave Punjab." He asserted that the state government is determined to save its youth and will not spare those leading them astray. He also mentioned that illegally acquired properties of drug traffickers are being seized and demolished to deter others from engaging in such activities.

Deputy Commissioner, Moga Mr. Sagar Setia informed the Minister that besides de-addiction efforts, large-scale preventive actions are already underway. He mentioned that rehabilitation centers are being strengthened to ensure proper treatment and counseling for drug victims. Additionally, skill development programs and employment opportunities are being provided to help rehabilitated individuals reintegrate into society.

The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the state government's helpline number 9779100200, urging people to share any drug-related information, assuring them that their identities will remain confidential.

SSP Moga, Mr. Ajay Gandhi briefed the Minister on the ongoing crackdown on major drug traffickers and assured that their entire networks will soon be dismantled. He reaffirmed that the police, with public support, will leave no stone unturned in making this campaign successful.

Prior to the meeting, Mr. Tarunpreet Singh Sond addressed the media, reiterating that eradicating drugs from Punjab was a key promise of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann before coming to power. He stated that from day one, the government has been working tirelessly to make Punjab drug-free and restore its glory.

He shared recent achievements under the "Yudh Nashiyan Virudh" campaign, which commenced on March 1, 2025. Between March 1 and March 16, 2025, the following seizures and arrests were made:

1,651 FIRs registered

2,575 arrests made

95.264 kg of heroin seized

1,128 kg of poppy husk confiscated

52.316 kg of opium recovered

16 kg of marijuana seized

4.632 kg of hashish recovered

7,25,666 intoxicating pills confiscated

1,733 liters of illicit liquor (Lahan) seized

Drug money amounting to over ₹64.26 lakh recovered

279 intoxicating injections confiscated

Mr. Sond assured that the Punjab Government has given the police and administration full freedom to act against drug traffickers, ensuring that no trafficker will escape legal action. He emphasized that strict action is being taken without any political interference.

During his visit, the Cabinet Minister was accorded a Guard of Honor at the District Administrative Complex by the Punjab Police.

Prominent attendees included MLA Moga Dr. Amandeep Kaur Arora, MLA Baghapurana Mr. Amritpal Singh Sukhanand, MLA Dharamkot Mr. Davinderjit Singh Ladhi Dhons, MLA Nihal Singh Wala Mr. Manjit Singh Bilaspur, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Mr. Baljit Singh Chaani, Chairman of improvement Trust Mr. Raman Mittal, Chairman of the District Planning Board Mr. Harmandeep Singh Brar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Mr. Jagvinderjit Singh Grewal, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Ms. Charumita, along with other senior officials from civil and police administration.

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