Chandigarh, Jun 26 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday stated that following action against small-time drug smugglers, it is now the turn of the ‘Jarnails’- the big players to face consequences for their involvement in the drug trade.

Speaking to the media at his official residence, he reiterated the government’s policy of zero

tolerance toward drugs and the powerful individuals who have either patronized or participated

in the illicit trade.

He said while small smugglers acted as distributors, the real kingpins- who operated an extensive network- had long evaded accountability. “Now, their time is up,” Mann asserted. “No matter how influential they are, those involved in the drug trade will not be spared” he added.



The Chief Minister emphasized that the state government has already jailed many area-specific, small-scale smugglers. “The Aam Aadmi Party had guaranteed that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be brought to justice. That promise is being fulfilled,” he said, adding that the ongoing crackdown has broken the backbone of the drug cartel.

Mann further revealed that substantial evidence has been collected against those arrested, including records of significant hawala transactions, which he said will serve as “the final nail in their coffin.”

He promised exemplary action to serve as a deterrent to others and reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing all offenders to justice.

The campaign, he said, has now become a mass movement, with widespread public support. He praised village panchayats for passing resolutions against drug abuse, calling it a positive step

toward eradicating the menace from Punjab. Commenting on the arrest of Akali leader Majithia,

Mann said that cross-party statements in Majithia’s support prove the existence of a political nexus shielding drug smugglers.

He added that 29 mobile phones, eight laptops, and other crucial evidence have been recovered

from Majithia’s residence. “His arrest has exposed the unholy alliance among traditional political parties on the drug issue. Their actions have devastated Punjab,” Mann said. He warned that more prominent political figures would soon face arrest and that their properties would be confiscated or demolished.

UNI GS RKM