‘The problem has evolved beyond a public-health crisis and is now closely linked with rising crime and social instability across the state’
08 August, 2026 – New Delhi : BJP national general secretary and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh on Monday raised serious concerns over the growing drug menace and deteriorating law-and-order situation in Punjab in the Upper House and accused the state government of failing to address them.
Drawing the attention of the House to the issue, Chugh said Punjab’s sensitive border with Pakistan has made the state particularly vulnerable to cross-border drug and weapons smuggling. He alleged a large drug-trafficking nexus has been operating in the border areas, with the increasing availability of narcotics pushing a large number of young people towards addiction.
According to Chugh, the problem has evolved beyond a public-health crisis and is now closely linked with rising crime and social instability across the state. Referring to the 2024 Crime in India report, he said a significant quantity of narcotic substances was seized in Punjab during the year, placing the state among the major centres of drug seizures in the country.
Chugh also highlighted the rising number of deaths linked to drug abuse. He said drug-related deaths in Punjab, which had stood at 89 in one year, had reportedly increased further to 106, underscoring the gravity of the crisis facing the state.
The BJP leader further expressed concern over the increase in incidents of crime, including snatching and other offences. He alleged that despite the worsening situation, the Punjab Government had failed to effectively contain the drug trade and maintain law and order.
Chugh particularly flagged the repeated use of drones for smuggling narcotics and weapons from Pakistan into Punjab. He said the issue should not be viewed merely as a matter of border security, as the consequences of cross-border smuggling were being felt across Punjab.
“The impact is being felt in every city, every village and even within individual households, where young people are losing their lives and their futures because of drug addiction,” he said.
Expressing grave concern over the situation, Chugh said Punjab was increasingly emerging as a major hub of the drug trade and said that the state was “in danger” if the trend was not checked immediately.
Moreover, Chugh also alleged that crimes in Punjab was rising, and mentioned about incidents like murder, explosions and attacks, including blasts targeting police establishments. He said such incidents had created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among the people.
He attributed the deteriorating situation to what he termed a failure of the state government to maintain effective law and order and tackle organised crime. He also alleged that criminal mafias had gained increasing influence in the state.
The BJP MP said the situation demanded immediate attention and coordinated action to prevent Punjab’s drug crisis and security challenges from worsening further, which the state government has failed to address.
The Tribune