Punjab wrote thrice to Centre seeking strict law on prohibited drugs: Cheema

Minister Cheema disclosed that the Punjab government has sent three separate letters to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, each requesting a more stringent legal framework to combat prohibited substances. The correspondence outlines specific concerns about the current penalties, which the state officials say are insufficient to deter traffickers and dealers. Cheema emphasized that the repeated appeals demonstrate the urgency of the situation and the need for a coordinated national response.

Punjab has long struggled with a surge in drug abuse, especially among young people, and the problem has been linked to rising crime rates and health emergencies. Existing state-level measures, such as rehabilitation centers and awareness campaigns, have had limited impact without stronger legal tools. The call for a tougher law includes proposals for longer prison terms, higher fines, and enhanced powers for law enforcement agencies to seize assets linked to drug networks.

The issue matters to readers across India because drug trafficking often crosses state borders, making a uniform legal approach essential for effective control. A stricter central law could provide the uniformity needed to disrupt supply chains and support states like Punjab that are on the front lines of the crisis. The next step may involve a review by the central cabinet or a parliamentary committee tasked with evaluating drug policy reforms.