Jalandhar/Chandigarh— Satnam Singh Chahal, the Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), has issued a statement urging Punjab police authorities to take a more compassionate and rehabilitative approach in their efforts to combat the illegal drug epidemic sweeping the state. In light of recent reports of harassment and arrests of small consumers of illegal drugs, Chahal emphasized that innocent people should not be the target of police campaigns aimed at tackling drug smuggling and consumption.
“While we fully support efforts to curb the illegal drug trade and punish those involved in drug smuggling, we strongly urge Punjab police authorities to refrain from harassing or arresting small consumers who are not the real perpetrators of this problem,” Chahal said. “Many individuals caught up in the cycle of drug addiction are victims themselves, and we must offer them rehabilitation and support, not further criminalization.”
Chahal’s statement comes in the wake of widespread concerns that the ongoing crackdown on drugs has led to the unjust targeting of vulnerable individuals, who may be struggling with addiction rather than engaging in the larger drug trade. Rather than arresting these individuals, Chahal believes the focus should shift toward providing treatment, rehabilitation, and counselling to help them break free from the grip of addiction.
“The problem is not with the consumers, but with the system that enables drug trafficking,” Chahal continued. “We need to invest in comprehensive rehabilitation programs, mental health services, and social support systems to help people recover and reintegrate into society. A punitive approach will not solve the root cause of drug addiction.”
Chahal also called on the Punjab government to take serious note of the allegations made by Amritsar MLA Vijay Pratap Singh. Singh has accused certain police officers in Amritsar of being involved in the drug trade under the patronage of a ruling party Member of Parliament. These accusations, if true, would represent a grave breach of trust and undermine the credibility of law enforcement efforts in the region.
“The allegations raised by MLA Vijay Pratap Singh cannot be ignored,” Chahal stated. “If certain law enforcement officials are complicit in the drug trade, it undermines the efforts of those working to eliminate this menace. We call on the Punjab government to investigate these claims thoroughly, hold the responsible parties accountable, and ensure that law enforcement remains above reproach.”
Chahal’s statement is a call to action for both the police and the government to reevaluate their approach towards drug-related issues in Punjab, shifting the focus from criminalization of small consumers to rehabilitation, prevention, and systemic reform.