Article 3: Punjab’s drug scourge needs policy, not slogans
Why in news: Punjab’s drug crisis has again gained political attention ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, with the BJP launching the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra and opposition parties highlighting the continuing challenge of drug trafficking and addiction.
Key Details
- Political campaign: The BJP launched the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra, covering nearly 4,000 km across the State ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
- Border factor: Punjab’s 550-km border with Pakistan and proximity to the Golden Crescent have historically facilitated drug trafficking.
- Evolving networks: Traffickers increasingly use drones, inter-State routes and pharmaceutical drugs, making detection and enforcement more difficult.
- Government action: The Punjab government’s Yudh Nasheyan Viruddh campaign has led to arrests and drug seizures, but drug availability remains a concern.
- Way forward: Effective action requires targeting traffickers and financiers, tracking money trails, strengthening rehabilitation and creating better opportunities for vulnerable youth.
Drug Menace as a Political Issue
- Punjab’s drug problem has remained persistent despite repeated crackdowns and changes in government.
- With the 2027 Assembly election approaching, the issue has again become a major part of political campaigns.
- Different political parties are highlighting the drug crisis through campaigns, protests and public rallies.
Changing Drug Trafficking Networks
- Punjab’s location near the Golden Crescent and its approximately 550-km border with Pakistan have historically contributed to drug trafficking.
- However, the problem has expanded beyond the border through drones, interstate supply networks and relay points.
- Pharmaceutical drugs have also become important because they are relatively cheaper, accessible and difficult to trace.
Limits of Crackdowns
- The AAP government launched “Yudh Nasheyan Viruddh” in March 2025, resulting in arrests and drug seizures.
- Despite these enforcement measures, there has been no clear reduction in the flow of illegal drugs.
- This suggests that arrests and seizures alone cannot dismantle the wider drug-supply ecosystem.
Need for Comprehensive Rehabilitation
- The government must target the financial networks, suppliers and trafficking routes behind the drug trade.
- Alongside enforcement, it must provide accessible treatment, sustained rehabilitation and support for affected families.
- Creating better education, employment and livelihood opportunities can help young people rebuild their lives and reduce vulnerability to addiction.
From Election Promise to Sustained Policy
- Punjab has witnessed repeated promises to make the State drug-free, but the persistence of the problem shows the need for long-term action.
- Authorities should investigate money trails, supply chains and institutional gaps, rather than focusing only on headline arrest and seizure numbers.
- The larger challenge for Punjab’s political leadership is to convert recurring electoral promises into sustained, evidence-based public policy.
Conclusion
Punjab’s drug crisis requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. Enforcement must target traffickers, financiers and evolving supply routes, while healthcare systems provide accessible treatment and sustained rehabilitation. Border surveillance alone cannot address pharmaceutical trafficking or domestic networks. Strengthening institutions, preventing youth vulnerability, improving employment opportunities and ensuring accountability can help shift the response from periodic crackdowns towards sustained drug-demand and supply reduction.
Descriptive question:
Punjab’s drug problem has evolved from a border-security challenge into a complex public-health and organised-crime issue. Examine the causes and suggest a comprehensive strategy to address it. (10 marks, 150 words)
Source: The Indian Express