Punjab gives over 10,000 drug addiction victims second chance, grants them immunity
More than 10,000 drug addicts in Punjab have been granted immunity from prosecution under Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act
More than 10,000 drug addicts in Punjab have been granted immunity from prosecution under Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and admitted to government-run de-addiction centres as part of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign, according to an official statement issued on Thursday. Between March 1, 2025, and July 6, 2026, a total of 10,656 people accused of consuming narcotic substances or possessing small quantities for personal use voluntarily opted for treatment instead of facing prosecution. During the same period, Punjab Police registered 51,516 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested 67,519 people in its crackdown on drug trafficking.
Read Full Story The government said the figures reflected its two-pronged anti-drug strategy of taking strict action against suppliers while treating drug addiction as a public health issue. "This compassionate approach reflects the state's understanding that individuals suffering from substance abuse require treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment. It also demonstrates that Section 64A of the NDPS Act is being implemented in its true spirit," the statement said. Section 64A grants immunity from prosecution to drug addicts who voluntarily undergo recognised de-addiction treatment, exempting them from punishment under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. According to the statement, every beneficiary undergoes a medical assessment before receiving an individualised treatment plan that includes detoxification, psychiatric care, counselling, behavioural therapy and relapse prevention.
The government said police would continue identifying drug addicts and connecting them with de-addiction and rehabilitation centres as the campaign progresses. Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said the fight against drugs was not limited to arresting traffickers but also involved helping people overcome addiction. "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 remain committed to combining strict enforcement with compassion to free Punjab from drug addiction and secure a better future for our youth," he said. Additional Director General of Police, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Nilabh Kishore, said distinguishing between drug traffickers and those battling addiction was essential to preventing future crime.
The BriefWire