Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab, senior leader and finance minister Harpal Cheema on Thursday said that so far, over 81 kg of heroin, more than 51 kg of opium, and more than ₹60 lakh in cash have been recovered since March 1, when the state government launched a special drive ``war against drugs’’ in Punjab.
Stating that 1,259 FIRs have been registered under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), and 1,759 drug traffickers have been arrested so far under the special drive, the minister told newspersons that additionally, around 7.5 lakh intoxicating tablets and 970 kg of poppy husk (Bhuki), along with other synthetic drugs, have been seized by the police.
Besides, 22 two-wheelers, 4 cars, 12 pistols, and 8 mobile phones have also been recovered from the accused apprehended in connection with these cases, he held.
Furthermore, properties of around 29 people associated with drug trafficking have also been demolished, Cheema said and held that unlike previous governments that protected drug traffickers, the AAP government is taking strict action against them.
He accused the previous Akali-BJP and Congress governments of conspiring to trap the youth in drug addiction under a well-thought-out plan. Cheema added that along with action against drug traffickers, the government is also taking several proactive steps.
A number of awareness meetings have been organised in universities and colleges and that a cabinet sub-committee of five ministers, led by him, has been working to properly execute this campaign, he further held.
