Patiala, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Wednesday reiterated the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government’s zero-tolerance policy against drugs, directing officials to intensify action against the illegal sale of medicines and narcotics in Patiala district.
During a review meeting of the ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign with the district administration and police, the minister stressed that the misuse of essential, life-saving medicines for intoxication would not be tolerated.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal, SSP Harmandeep Hans, Civil Surgeon Dr. Shelly Jaitley, Zonal Drug Licensing Authority Navjot Kaur and other officials.
Dr. Balbir Singh said 35 drug hotspots had been identified in Patiala district and were being monitored. Chemist shops were also under scrutiny to prevent the illegal sale of medicines and identify those involved in drug-related offences.
He clarified that Punjab’s approximately 32,000 wholesale and retail chemist shops should not all be viewed with suspicion, but warned that strict action would be taken against medicine dealers found violating the law.
The minister directed the Zonal Drug Licensing Authority to conduct inspections with police assistance and ensure that every medicine dealer operated with a valid licence. He also stressed that prescription medicines must not be sold without the required doctor’s prescription.
Calling for stronger preventive measures, Dr. Balbir Singh instructed the district administration to conduct special checking drives around schools, colleges and other educational institutions to prevent drug sales in their vicinity.
He said the state government had repeatedly raised concerns with the Centre and relevant agencies over the supply of ‘chitta’ and other synthetic drugs, which he claimed were smuggled into Punjab from Pakistan and other states.
Appealing to residents to help curb drug trafficking, the minister urged them to report suspected drug peddling by medicine dealers or other individuals to the police, Drug Licensing Authority or Civil Surgeon’s office. Information can also be shared through the Safe Punjab anti-drug WhatsApp chatbot at 97791-00200.
He cautioned people against taking the law into their own hands and assured them that informants’ names and addresses would remain confidential.
Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal and SSP Harmandeep Hans assured the minister that the campaign would be implemented effectively in accordance with the state government’s directions.
ADCs Damanjit Singh Mann and Anuprita Johal, SP City Mohit Aggarwal, Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr. Jaswinder Singh, drug inspectors and other officials attended the meeting.
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