Milpitas, California / Jalandhar/Chandigarh- The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has expressed deep concern over the continued recovery of large quantities of illegal narcotics across Punjab despite the ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign. While appreciating the efforts of law enforcement agencies in making arrests, conducting raids, and seizing drugs, NAPA said that the persistent recovery of heroin, synthetic drugs, pharmaceutical opioids, and drug money clearly indicates that the illegal drug supply chain remains active and continues to operate across the state. Official data released during the campaign points to substantial increases in seizures, arrests, and enforcement actions, reflecting both intensified policing and the continuing scale of the challenge.
NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal stated that every seizure of narcotics should not only be viewed as an enforcement success but also as evidence that fresh consignments are continuing to reach Punjab. “If drugs continue to be recovered almost every day, it means that organized criminal networks responsible for supplying, transporting, financing, and distributing narcotics have not yet been completely dismantled,” Chahal said.
He emphasized that Punjab’s drug problem cannot be solved by arresting street-level peddlers alone. The authorities must identify and prosecute the kingpins, interstate suppliers, international smugglers, financiers, hawala operators, and corrupt individuals who facilitate the movement of drugs and illicit money. Breaking the financial backbone of these criminal organizations is essential for achieving long-term success. Punjab Police have recently expanded efforts against hawala networks and frozen assets linked to alleged drug traffickers, steps that NAPA believes should continue with greater intensity.
Chahal further stated that Punjab’s youth continue to face serious risks from drug addiction, and every family in the state deserves to live without fear of narcotics destroying the future of their children. He stressed that the fight against drugs must extend beyond policing and include quality education, employment opportunities, rehabilitation, mental health services, community awareness, and active participation by civil society.
NAPA also urged the Punjab Government, the Central Government, border security agencies, and all investigative agencies to strengthen coordination to identify every link in the illegal drug supply chain, from international trafficking routes to local distribution networks. The Association called for faster prosecution of major traffickers, stricter action against repeat offenders, enhanced financial investigations, and stronger measures to prevent the laundering of drug money.
“The objective should not merely be to seize larger quantities of drugs,” Chahal added. “The real measure of success will be when illegal drugs become unavailable on the streets of Punjab, addiction rates begin to decline, and the criminal organizations behind this deadly trade are permanently dismantled.”
NAPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting all genuine initiatives aimed at protecting Punjab’s youth and urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting drug trafficking activities while also supporting rehabilitation and recovery efforts for those struggling with addiction.