Fri Feb 28 18:10:06 UTC 2025: ## Punjab AAP Blames Center for Drug Smuggling, Highlights Anti-Drug Efforts

**Chandigarh, February 28, 2025** – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab accused the BJP-led central government of failing to control drug smuggling from Pakistan, despite the Border Security Force’s control over the border region. AAP Punjab president and cabinet minister Aman Arora stated that the Centre is illogically blaming Punjab for a problem stemming from cross-border smuggling. He announced plans to approach the central government to demand a complete crackdown on drug trafficking.

A cabinet sub-committee, including Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, is intensifying efforts to combat drug peddling within the state. Mr. Cheema highlighted a three-year campaign to eradicate drugs, involving the demolition of drug peddlers’ homes, regardless of their social standing. He contrasted the AAP government’s actions, claiming over 12,000 NDPS Act FIRs were filed with only 24 instances of defaulter bail, a sharp contrast to previous governments, where political influence allegedly shielded drug smugglers. The AAP criticized the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP and Congress governments for their alleged role in pushing Punjab’s youth toward drug abuse between 2002 and 2022.

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