The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) expresses deep concern over the alarming rise in deaths caused by illegal drug consumption in Punjab. NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal stated that the newly available data paints a distressing picture of a worsening crisis, despite repeated assurances and promises made by the Punjab Government to eliminate the drug menace.
According to official reports, Punjab witnessed 89 drug overdose deaths in 2023, following 144 deaths in 2022, making it one of the highest in the country. Furthermore, a detailed affidavit submitted to the Punjab and Haryana High Court revealed that 266 young lives were lost to drug overdose between April 2020 and March 2023. These figures continue to rise sharply, as the Punjab Health Department recorded 782 confirmed overdose deaths between January 2024 and April 2025. Health experts believe the true number may be significantly higher due to widespread underreporting, fear, and social stigma.
Satnam Singh Chahal strongly criticized the government for failing to fulfill its commitments. He stated that the ruling leadership had repeatedly promised that the drug menace would be eliminated by 31st March of this year, but the ground reality shows no improvement. “Punjab is losing its youth at an alarming rate. What could be more tragic than hundreds of mothers losing their sons every year while the government continues to make empty announcements?” Chahal said.
NAPA also highlighted that the crisis is not confined to narcotic substances alone. Deaths from spurious and illegal liquor remain a parallel threat, with Punjab recording 33 deaths due to toxic liquor in 2023, and recalling the devastating hooch tragedy of 2020 which claimed 121 innocent lives.
Chahal urged the Punjab Government to immediately implement strong, practical, and transparent measures to dismantle drug networks and strengthen rehabilitation programs. He emphasized the need for an independent monitoring system involving civil society, healthcare experts, and anti-narcotic agencies to ensure accountability and real-time data reporting.
NAPA calls upon the Chief Minister of Punjab to take urgent steps to protect the state’s youth and to turn promises into concrete action. “The lives of our children cannot be sacrificed to political statements. Punjab needs action, not assurances,” Chahal added.
NAPA vowed to continue raising its voice locally and internationally until meaningful progress is visible on the ground.