Punjab’s Approach to Drug Enforcement: Targeting End Users Over Major Players

The crackdown on drugs in Punjab seems to primarily ensnare end users while the larger drug trade operators continue to evade authorities. Instances like the seizure of trivial paraphernalia leading to arrests, such as a lighter or foil paper, highlight a concerning trend. Even minor drug seizures result in prolonged detainment, raising questions about the focus on users rather than major traffickers.

The Disproportionate Focus

• An analysis of 11,156 FIRs filed under the NDPS Act during a specific period reveals a glaring emphasis on minor drug seizures. Out of these cases, a staggering 2,804 involved minor seizures compared to only 275 major ones, indicating a skewed approach towards smaller offenders. Moreover, the arrest of individuals based on observations of “smoking heroin” often lacks substantial evidence.

Shifting Priorities

• While Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav insists on a changing trend, citing substantial heroin seizures, the reality remains that even minor possession cases lead to extended imprisonment. Despite the legal definition distinguishing quantities, even trivial possessions like lighters and matchsticks can land individuals behind bars for months.

Human Toll and Personal Stories

• The fallout extends beyond mere statistics. Visits to affected villages reveal the harsh impact on the accused and their families. Instances like two friends arrested for possessing a small amount of heroin shed light on the plight of families struggling to cope. Moreover, individuals like Inderjit Singh, booked for a minor drug offense, faced compounded troubles when coerced by police to provide information about other illegal activities.

Rehabilitation Over Enforcement

• Amidst these punitive measures, voices advocating for rehabilitation over incarceration emerge. Experts stress the importance of directing drug users towards rehabilitation centers rather than punitive legal actions. The state’s approach, traditionally rooted in enforcement, is criticized for neglecting prevention and rehabilitation efforts.

Questioning the System

• Former officials and community leaders highlight concerns about the authenticity of many cases, attributing motives such as personal vendettas and politically motivated charges to the surge in NDPS cases. Instances like the false implication of a village sarpanch underscore the complexity and potential misuse of drug-related charges.

Seeking a Shift in Strategy

• The narrative brings forth a critical debate on the effectiveness of Punjab’s drug enforcement policies. Advocates for a shift in strategy prioritize rehabilitation, emphasizing the need to break the cycle of addiction through comprehensive prevention measures rather than punitive actions.

Conclusion

• Punjab’s war on drugs seems to disproportionately target end users, raising doubts about the efficacy and fairness of current enforcement practices. Amidst rising concerns and personal tragedies, the need for a recalibration towards rehabilitation and prevention appears imperative to address the deeper roots of the drug crisis.