Punjab Ramps Up Defense in the War Against Drugs

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema outlines initiatives to combat drug smuggling in the state's 2025-26 budget. The government plans to reinforce the Border Security Force's efforts with new defenses, including home guards and anti-drone technology, while upgrading police response capabilities and infrastructure.

In a decisive move to address the persistent drug problem in Punjab, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has unveiled a comprehensive strategy in the 2025-26 state budget. The plan aims to bolster existing efforts against drug smuggling across the border with new initiatives.

Cheema announced the deployment of 5,000 home guards along the border to support the Border Security Force. These guards are meant to serve as a second line of defense, tackling cross-border smuggling actively. In addition, anti-drone technology will be introduced to prevent the delivery of drugs and arms via drones.

Furthermore, significant investments will be made to enhance police capabilities with new emergency response vehicles, aiming to significantly reduce response times. The plan also includes modernizing police infrastructure and implementing technology-driven surveillance and rehabilitation efforts in jails.

(With inputs from agencies.)