Moga’s Daulewala village emerges as drug peddling hub

Once infamous for the smuggling of illicit liquor, Moga’s Daulewala village has gained notoriety as a drug peddling hotspot over the past three decades, with its several residents arrested multiple times over the charge but still continuing with the illegal trade.

According to police officials, its residents have been caught over the years for being involved in the smuggling of poppy husk, heroin and other synthetic drugs.

Spread over 581 hectares, Daulewala is home to around 3,300 people. Despite its modest size, over 450 people, including 70 women, have been held for smuggling drugs and liquor in the past 30 years.

Now, as part of the state government’s anti-drug campaign, the Moga police are resorting to the “bulldozer action”, demolishing illegal properties of those involved in the trade. In a demolition action on Saturday, the police and the local administration razed illegal structures of four accused. The police have identified “ill-gotten” properties of 42 known drug smugglers from the village.

Properties worth over Rs 17.14 crore have been attached. Currently, around 20 village residents — including eight women — are serving their sentences in Moga and Faridkot jails.

Over two dozen residents, including women, are undertrials and lodged in various jails.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Gandhi said the village had turned into a sanctuary for drug smugglers, but now that era is coming to an end. “Either they should abandon the illegal trade immediately or face the demolition of their illegal assets,” he added.

The SSP said the state youth have suffered enough due to rampant drug trafficking.

“Saving them from drugs is not just a government mission, it’s a fight for Punjab’s future,” he added.

Moga SP (D) Balkrishan Singla said the crackdown would continue till the menace was completely eradicated from Daulewala and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, an official said the district police and administration have also shifted their focus towards rehabilitation efforts.

Over a dozen residents of Daulewala have been admitted to a state-run de-addiction centre at Janer village in Moga, the official said.

Another official said targeting both smugglers and consumers was critical to breaking the supply network.

Punjab