Catch big fish, strengthen drug rehab centres

Comprehensive approach required

The scourge of drug abuse in Punjab has reached alarming proportions, unsettling the fabric of society. Unaware of the fact that substance abuse can impair brain development and even modify the prenatal hormonal milieu, some individuals resort to drugs to attain profound euphoria. Though the Punjab Police have intensified their crackdown on drug peddlers, kingpins and smuggling networks continue to operate unabated. A comprehensive approach is required to eradicate the drug problem. It is important to strengthen the intelligence network for tracking financial and logistical trail of drug cartels. To intercept international and inter-state drug trafficking routes, state and border security forces must work together more closely. Finally, by tackling unemployment and poverty — the fundamental causes that push youth towards substance abuse — and by integrating socio-economic development, we can hope to eradicate the drug menace. Public awareness campaigns in schools and communities can also help prevent new cases of drug addiction.

Novin Christopher

Fast-track trial under the NDPS Act

To effectively tackle the drug menace, temporary measures like razing the houses of peddlers must be supplemented with long-term strategies. First, strengthen intelligence and surveillance network to nab the ‘big fish’, not just small-time peddlers. Enhance coordination between state, national and international enforcement agencies to dismantle supply chains. Fast-track trial under the NDPS Act to ensure swift justice. Simultaneously, focus on prevention by increasing awareness in schools and colleges and expanding access to de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. Launch skill development and employment initiatives to engage vulnerable youth. Empower communities through anonymous tip lines and reward systems for reporting drug activities. Regular audits and strict action against corrupt officials are crucial to ensure accountability. Monitoring digital platforms to curb online drug sales is equally important. A combination of strong law enforcement, community participation, education, and rehabilitation is key to a drug-free society.

Aman Gill Sandhu

Dismantle big drug networks

It remains to be seen what result the recent action of demolishing houses of drug peddlers will bring. It’s isn’t just about punishing the small players, but transforming the entire system that allows the drug trade to thrive. These actions might scare a few. Unless the bigger networks of the suppliers, protectors and enablers are dismantled, the drug menace will only go underground or return stronger. We need preventive and rehabilitative strategies. Schools must educate students early about drug abuse. Families should be supported in spotting early signs. Most importantly, the youth need opportunities — jobs, skill training and recreational spaces to stay engaged and hopeful. Enforcement must be fair and consistent. The ‘big fish’ often escape, while the poor become scapegoats. This breaks the trust in the system. Alongside police action, we need community policing, transparent governance, and fast-track courts for drug-related cases.

Parmeet Kaur

Hold awareness programmes

The Supreme Court, vide its verdict dated November 13, 2024, observed that bulldozer demolitions infringed the right to shelter, guaranteed under Articles 19 and 21 and it is not a happy sight to see women, children and the elderly being dragged to the streets after razing their shelter. The properties of a drug peddler cannot be demolished without the permission of court if the building regulations have been complied with. To get rid of drug menace, the focus must be on reducing the demand of drugs and cutting off the supply by imposing penalties under the NDPS Act. Parents, teachers and community leaders have a big role to play by way of counselling. Holistic treatment centres should be set up. The government needs to create skill training programmes to generate employment. The government should award capital punishment in rare cases, which could act as a deterrent. Awareness programmes on drug abuse should be organised. Society needs to understand that drug addicts are victims and not criminals and therefore should be treated sympathetically. Judiciary, too, can play a vital role by expediting drug cases and punishing the guilty with strict punishment.

RS Sembhi

Set up dedicated, trained force

Controlling the drug menace in Punjab and catching the ‘big fish’ involved in the trade require a multi-pronged approach involving law enforcement, intelligence, community engagement and policy reforms. Drug menace can be controlled by creating a dedicated, well-trained force with advanced surveillance and investigative tools to target drug lords. Besides, there is need to enhance coordination between Punjab Police, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Central agencies like RAW to track drug supply chains. There is also dire need to strengthen security — especially on the border with Pakistan — by using drones, thermal imaging and increased patrolling by the BSF to intercept consignments of drugs such as heroin, synthetic drugs.The state government must deploy AI-based surveillance, data analytics and blockchain tracking to monitor suspicious financial transactions linked to drug money. It must infiltrate drug networks by using decoys and informants to gather evidence against high-profile traffickers. Moreover, the state government must follow the money trail — freeze assets, track hawala transactions and prosecute the guilty under the PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering) Act.

Mohd Saleem Farooqui

Strengthen rehab centres

In recent months, Punjab has witnessed a sharp rise in drug-related incidents. Though the police have arrested many peddlers, the real culprits — drug lords — still roam free. Temporary actions may grab headlines, but they do little to crush the deep-rooted narcotics network that continues to destroy countless lives, especially the youth. The drug menace is not just a law and order issue, it’s a societal crisis. Behind every addict is a broken family, lost dreams and hard work. The question remains for how long will we allow this to continue? We need more than arrests. Strict action must be taken. Rehabilitation centres must be strengthened and awareness campaigns launched at the grassroots level. Most importantly, the ‘big fish’ — the powerful and well connected — must be caught and punished. Punjab does not need sympathy, it needs action and the time for that action is now.

Harmandeep Kaur

Schools, communities must keep vigil

The police recently started demolishing properties of drug peddlers to demonstrate their commitment towards the drug eradication efforts. The action might have short-term benefits only. Small-time drug peddlers are arrested frequently, while the kingpins are rarely caught. The government needs to make more efforts to resolve the drug problem effectively. The authorities must identify key drug supply sources for proper punishment instead of targeting solely the small-time dealers. The government must punish main drug dealers and start programmes for drug dependency prevention. Schools and communities need to keep a tight vigil in order to prevent substance abuse. Although demolishing houses of drug peddlers might intimidate those involved in illegal trade, there are other factors preventing the drug issue from being resolved fully. Strong action combined with genuine care form the basis for genuine and meaningful drug battle strategies.

Palakpreet Kaur

Break supply chain of drugs

Demolishing houses of drug peddlers sends a strong message, but it may be a temporary fix if the root cause behind the issue isn’t addressed. While daily arrests show the action, the real change will come only when the ‘big fish’ — the main suppliers and masterminds — are caught and punished. To eradicate drug menace, a multi-level approach is needed. The police must go beyond small peddlers and break the supply chain. Intelligence networks should be strengthened to trace drug routes and kingpins. Strict laws, fast-track courts and strong border checks are essential.

At the same time, focus must be on rehabilitation, awareness and prevention. Youth need better education, job opportunities and activities that keep them engaged. Families and schools should talk openly about addiction risks. Only when enforcement, awareness and support work together Punjab can hope to be free from the grip of drugs.

Prabhjot Singh

Provide affordable treatment to addicts

To address the issue of drug trafficking, a multifaceted approach is required. To begin with, law enforcement should step up their efforts to arrested not only street peddlers, but also dismantle larger drug trafficking networks. This could entail greater surveillance, intelligence collection and coordinated actions across multiple locations. Secondly, there should be a focus on rehabilitation and de-addiction programme for those battling with substance misuse. Providing affordable and effective treatment can assist to lower drug demand and break the addiction cycle.

Tamanpreet Kaur Khangura

Put up collective fight against drugs

Demolishing houses of drug sellers might scare some people, but it won’t fully solve the problem. The real bosses who run the drug business are still free. Catching small-time drug sellers won’t stop the illegal trade. The police should find and arrest drug lords behind the drug trade. At the same time, schools and families should talk about the dangers of drugs. Strict vigil should be maintained at the international border to stop drugs from coming in. From the police, government to people, everyone should work together. Only then can we eradicate the problem of drugs from society. The youth should be given better job and education opportunities, so they don’t fall into the trap of drugs. It’s not just a police issue, it’s a fight for our future.

Prabhnoor Kaur

Multi-pronged approach needed

The recent action by police to demolish the houses of drug peddlers is a good step towards addressing the drug issue, but it is not a permanent solution as the main suppliers continue to sell drugs without fear. To eradicate the problem, a multi-pronged approach is needed. To check drug smuggling technology and more manpower is needed. Awareness programmes in schools and colleges can also prevent the youth from falling prey to drugs.

Japleen Kaur

Target main drug suppliers

The recent crackdown on drug peddlers, including the demolition of their houses, sends a strong message and may have a temporary deterrent effect. However, such measures alone are not enough for a lasting impact. While street-level peddlers are being arrested, the masterminds — the ‘big fish’ — often continue to operate freely. To eradicate the drug menace, a multi-pronged approach is essential. Authorities must target the entire network, including suppliers, financiers and corrupt officials. Strengthening intelligence gathering, improving coordination among states, and increasing surveillance at the border are key steps. Alongside enforcement, investment in education, awareness campaigns and rehabilitation centres can prevent youth from falling into addiction. Only a balanced strategy, combining use of force with reforms can ensure the real change.

Kirandeep Kaur

Demolitions may deter drug peddlers

The police are arresting a large number of drug paddlers and dismantling their properties in the state to teach them a lesson. This must be adopted as a permanent deterrent by the police in the state. The drug peddlers and their families may start feeling the pinch of losing their property and may stop dealing in drugs. A large number of young people are being reported to have kicked the bucket here due to drug addiction. It is also feared that the ‘big fish’ have still escaped the arrest. They must also be caught and brought to book and arrested by the police. Their properties must also be dismantled so that they feel the heat. Also, many of them have contacts abroad from where they import the drugs and sell them here to the youth through the small-time drug peddlers. The links of the ‘big fish’ with the outside world must be investigated into and stopped. The drug de-addiction centres in the state must also play their role in counselling the peddlers and youth against the sale and use of drugs.

Gautam Dev

Collaborate with other states

To control drug menace in Punjab, the government must expedite trial of major drug dealers to ensure swift justice. It should also pursue fugitive drug lords hiding abroad in countries like Canada, Dubai, Pakistan, etc. The government may expand de-addiction facilities with proper medical and psychological support. Schools, colleges and NGOs should run anti-drug programmes highlighting the dangers of substance abuse. The other way is to provide skill development and employment opportunities to vulnerable youth. Ensure no political protection for drug dealers and strict action against corrupt officials aiding the trade. Encourage locals to report drug activities anonymously with guaranteed safety. The state must collaborate with Rajasthan, Haryana and J&K to disrupt interstate drug networks. It must demand action against Pakistan-based drug cartels smuggling narcotics into India. Farmers should be encouraged to shift from illicit opium cultivation to cash crops with government support. The government must highlight successful crackdown to build public confidence and deter drug traffickers. A sustained, ruthless approach targeting suppliers, financiers, and protectors and, at the same time, rehabilitating victims is essential. The Punjab government must work closely with central agencies and the public to eradicate the menace.

Farzana Khan

Punjab