📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Cooperation
Crime
Home Minister Amit Shah says Punjab drug trade far worse than official data
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 21 Oct 2026, 09:01 AM
👁 15
Amit Shah warned that the scale of drug trafficking in Punjab exceeds what government reports indicate, calling for stronger action.
Home Minister Amit Shah, addressing reporters in New Delhi, asserted that the drug trade in Punjab is considerably more severe than figures released by state agencies. He highlighted discrepancies between ground realities and official statistics, suggesting that the problem has been underreported.
Shah called for an immediate review of the data collection mechanisms and urged state authorities to intensify enforcement measures. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between central and state law‑enforcement agencies to curb the flow of narcotics.
The minister's remarks come amid growing concerns over rising addiction rates and drug‑related crimes in the region. While the Punjab government has reported a decline in seizures, Shah's statement indicates a possible gap in the assessment of the crisis.
Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs said they will dispatch a senior team to Punjab to evaluate the situation and recommend corrective actions. The central government is also considering additional funding for anti‑drug operations in the state.
Shah called for an immediate review of the data collection mechanisms and urged state authorities to intensify enforcement measures. He emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between central and state law‑enforcement agencies to curb the flow of narcotics.
The minister's remarks come amid growing concerns over rising addiction rates and drug‑related crimes in the region. While the Punjab government has reported a decline in seizures, Shah's statement indicates a possible gap in the assessment of the crisis.
Officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs said they will dispatch a senior team to Punjab to evaluate the situation and recommend corrective actions. The central government is also considering additional funding for anti‑drug operations in the state.