Punjab: Over 10,000 drug addicts granted immunity from prosecution

Chandigarh, Jul 9 (PTI) Under the AAP government's 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign launched in March 2025, 10,656 drug addicts have so far been granted immunity from prosecution under Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Instead of being prosecuted for consuming illegal drugs or possessing small quantities for personal use, they have been admitted to government-run de-addiction and rehabilitation centres for treatment and recovery, an official statement issued here on Thursday said. The Punjab Police registered 51,516 FIRs under the NDPS Act and arrested 67,519 persons from March 1, 2025, to July 6, 2026. During the same time, over 10,000 people were given immunity from prosecution, reflecting the force's dual approach of curbing the supply of drugs in Punjab and connecting people in need of health intervention with the state facilities, it said. "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 statement said. "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," it added. Medical professionals assess each beneficiary and prepare an individualised treatment plan that includes detoxification, psychiatric care, counselling, behavioural therapy, and relapse prevention, it said. 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. 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," he said. The Punjab government'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, equal emphasis is being placed on identifying drug addicts to facilitate their rehabilitation and help them reintegrate with their families, the statement said. 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, Additional DGP, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, said, "Identifying the thin line between a criminal and a victim ensures that we can 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," he said. 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, he said. PTI SUN RHL