Chandigarh, July 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Since Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ in March 2025, a record 10,656 drug addiction victims have been granted immunity from prosecution under Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Instead of being prosecuted for being under the influence of illegal drugs or possessing small quantities for personal consumption, they have been admitted to government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centres for treatment and recovery.
The Punjab Police registered 51,516 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested 67,519 persons from 1 March 2025 to 6 July 2026. During the same time, over ten thousand people were given immunity from prosecution, showing the dual role Punjab Police is playing in both curbing the supply of drugs in Punjab and connecting people in need of health intervention with the state facilities.
This compassionate view of the state reflects its understanding that individuals suffering from substance abuse need rehabilitation and treatment rather than punishment. It is, in effect, also a proof that Section 64A of the NDPS Act is being used as intended by the state. The provision grants immunity from prosecution to drug addicts who voluntarily undergo de-addiction treatment, allowing them to avoid the punishment otherwise prescribed under relevant sections of the Act.
Medical professionals examine each person taking immunity and chalk out an individualised treatment plan that includes detoxification, psychiatric care, counselling, behavioural therapy, and relapse prevention. Given the recent success of this programme, in the days to come, the police will continue to connect more victims to de-addiction and rehabilitation centres.
On this, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said, “The fight against drugs is not only about arresting peddlers but also about giving every person trapped in addiction a fair chance to recover. We as a police force remain committed to supporting every effort that combines strict enforcement with compassion to ensure the state gets rid of drug addiction as early as possible for the better future of our youth.”
The government of Punjab’s anti-drug strategy stands on two pillars: enforcement against drug traffickers and a compassionate, evidence-based approach towards victims of addiction.
While law enforcement agencies continue to intensify action against hardcore smugglers and peddlers with Punjab having the highest conviction rate in the country under NDPS, equal emphasis is being made on identifying drug addicts to undergo rehabilitation to help victims return to their family fold. By encouraging arrested addicts to volunteer for rehabilitation and treatment, the cycle of addiction gets broken. The government has brought thousands into the formal treatment system instead of incarcerating them.
Nilabh Kishore, ADGP, Anti-Narcotics Task Force said, “Identifying the thin line between a criminal and a victim ensures that we are able to bring people who have strayed into drug addiction into the fold of society. Hence, a person who may turn into a potential criminal tomorrow is made to undergo treatment at the opportune moment so that he reintegrates into society.”
Addiction is a treatable medical condition and those struggling with drug addiction, as well as their families, should come forward to undergo drug de-addiction. The 10,656 victims who took immunity under Section 64A of the NDPS Act demonstrate the growing trust in Punjab’s treatment-oriented approach. It also reflects the Bhagwant Mann government’s resolve to ensure that those trapped in addiction are given a second chance through compassion, they are made to undergo rehabilitation rather than being punished.
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