Punjab's Aam Aadmi Party government announced a 60-day anti-drug strategy on 16 October 2026, seeking to move beyond arrest totals towards disrupting trafficking networks and expanding rehabilitation.
WHAT IS THE PLAN?
Following a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at the Punjab Police Academy in Phillaur, police chief Gaurav Yadav described a network-focused programme targeting 435 identified drug hotspots.
Officials said policing and civil administration would coordinate surveillance, local infrastructure and community outreach.
WHY NOW?
The announcement followed public criticism and protests after the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa on 13 October.
The Centre separately sought information from the Punjab government about drug-linked deaths and related law-and-order concerns.
HOW WILL SUCCESS BE MEASURED?
Arrest and seizure figures are official claims, not a substitute for evidence of reduced addiction or trafficking. Treatment access, prosecutions, public safety and independent monitoring will be important indicators.
People accused of offences remain presumed innocent unless convicted.