3 hrs ago

Mann Says Pakistan Drug Supply Falls, New Routes Targeted

Punjab CM Mann says drug supply from Pakistan down, new routes now in focus · livemint.com

Punjab’s chief minister says the state has reduced drugs coming from Pakistan.

He claims about 80% of that supply has been stopped.

He said smugglers may now be using routes through Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The government is trying to stop more than just individual arrests.

It is also targeting criminal groups, their money and drug shipments.

Mann said 10 gangsters were brought back to Punjab from other countries since January.

He said police have seized weapons, drugs, gold and cash.

He also said stopping smuggling across the international border is mainly the central government’s responsibility.

Opposition parties were criticised for focusing on bad incidents instead of offering a plan.

Key facts

Claimed reduction: Mann said nearly 80% of drugs entering Punjab from Pakistan had been eliminated since the crackdown began.
International border: Punjab shares a 532-kilometre international border where drug smuggling attempts continue, according to Mann.
Gangsters returned: Ten gangsters were reportedly brought back to Punjab from abroad since January.
Action since 2022: The Anti-Gangster Task Force reportedly acted against 1.24 lakh gangsters and their sympathisers.
Seizures: Authorities reportedly recovered 1,170 weapons, 15 hand grenades, 858.26 kg of heroin and 480.26 kg of opium.
Other recovered assets: The reported seizures also included 3,056.85 grams of gold and ₹1.28 crore in cash.
Port allegation: Mann referred to a seizure of around 3,000 kg of drugs at Mundra Port.

livemint.com · 4 hrs ago