In a decisive strike against cross-border drug smuggling, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has deployed anti-drone systems along the Punjab border to intercept narcotics-laden drones from Pakistan. Launching three such systems in Tarn Taran on Saturday, AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann vowed to end the drug menace, declaring that any drone crossing into Punjab will now be detected and brought down instantly.
During this, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Today, a major chapter is being added to ‘Yudh Nashe Ke Virudh’. Until a few days ago, the biggest problem in Punjab was drugs. Previous governments, in collusion with drug smugglers, pushed the children of every household in Punjab into drug addiction. It seemed as if the entire state had been ruined. They destroyed the youth of Punjab.”
He continued, “After the AAP government was formed in Punjab, we launched the ‘Yudh Nashe Ke Virudh’ campaign. Major steps have been taken to stop drugs. No matter how big a minister, leader, or smuggler may be, the AAP government has caught and sent them to jail. Properties purchased with drug money are being demolished by bulldozers. Their bank accounts are being frozen, and that money is being used to build schools and hospitals for the children of Punjab.”
Pointing to the main source of drugs in the state, Arvind Kejriwal said, “Most of the drugs sold in Punjab are sent from across the border in Pakistan through drones. People sitting in Pakistan drop drugs inside Punjab’s border via drones, and someone here picks them up and sells them. Today, the Punjab government has implemented an anti-drone system.”
“Now, if any drone from Pakistan enters Punjab’s border, the anti-drone system will destroy it immediately. This will prevent those in Pakistan from sending drugs into Punjab via drones. At present, three anti-drone systems are being deployed. Out of a total order of nine, six more will arrive soon. If there is further need, we will purchase more,” he asserted.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the AAP Supremo added, “The AAP government is determined to end drugs in Punjab, and along with Punjab’s 3 crore people, we will wipe out this menace. No resource will be lacking in this fight. Punjab is the only state in the country to have its own anti-drone system. The people of Punjab are no longer helpless. The old governments had placed the people in the lap of drug smugglers. Now Punjab is fighting against drugs, and soon the state will be completely free from them.”
Sharing his message on X, Arvind Kejriwal stated, “Today, the Punjab government has started the anti-drone system. Now, if any drone comes from across the border, our system will detect and destroy it immediately. This system will prevent drugs from entering Punjab. We are committed to ending drugs in Punjab. Most of the drugs sold in the state come from across the border in Pakistan via drones. Together with Punjab’s 3 crore people, we will eliminate this problem. The previous governments, working hand in glove with smugglers, pushed every household in Punjab into addiction and destroyed the youth. Then our government came and began a war against drugs, catching and jailing even the biggest leaders, ministers, and smugglers involved in the trade.”
Anti-drone system will help security forces stop drug and arms smuggling: Bhagwant Mann
During the event, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann said, “Under the ‘Yudh Nashe Ke Virudh’ campaign, Punjab has launched an all-out fight to stop cross-border drug smuggling. Punjab shares a 553-kilometre border with Pakistan, considered one of the most sensitive areas for drug and arms trafficking. To strengthen border security and tackle the challenges posed by drone-based smuggling, nine anti-drone systems are being installed along the international border. These units cost Rs 51.4 crore. While our country’s armed forces and the Border Security Force (BSF) are already using such systems, Punjab has become the first state in the country to deploy an anti-drone system on the international border.”
Highlighting its impact, Bhagwant Mann said, “This system will deliver a strong response to smugglers supplying drugs from across the border. Anti-national elements often use technology for anti-social activities. Enemies of the nation have turned drones into a weapon to destroy the lives of Punjab’s youth and are using them for cross-border drug trafficking. In 2024, a total of 283 drones carrying heroin, weapons, and ammunition were seized, and in 2025 so far, 137 drones have been recovered. This anti-drone system will be deployed as a second line of defence along the border from Pathankot to Fazilka. Any drone attempting to enter the state through the border will be neutralised immediately.”
Explaining the second line of defence, Bhagwant Mann said, “It means the deployment of Punjab Police in the border districts, working behind the BSF positioned on the international border. The anti-drone system will help security forces combat the smuggling of drugs and weapons. It will be deployed in those specific border areas where drone activity has been most frequent. Earlier, Punjab Police had no such system to neutralise drones, but now this technology will make our force more capable. This system can pinpoint the exact location of the drone and its ground control station.”
The Punjab Chief Minister added, “This system comes with automated alert technology that immediately notifies officers upon detecting drone activity, removing the need for manual monitoring. To ensure successful implementation of this advanced system, coordination will be maintained with the BSF, Indian Air Force, Indian Army, and other agencies.”
He further added, “As part of this fight against drugs, an anti-drug curriculum has already been introduced in schools, aimed at making 8 lakh students aware of the dangers of drug abuse. Punjab’s fight against drugs has now reached a crucial stage. Under the third phase of the ‘Yudh Nashe Ke Virudh’ campaign, a special curriculum for students from classes 9 to 12 has been launched in all government schools. Through this, 8 lakh students will be taught about the risks of drug consumption and encouraged to stay away from it. This anti-drug programme will cover 3,658 schools, with leading scientists also participating to raise awareness among students.”
Bhagwant Mann said, “After 2009, the roots of drugs in the state were deliberately planted through a conspiracy with the support of political leaders. However, our government has taken strict action against this threat by adopting a systematic strategy and has put the biggest dealers behind bars. Those who colluded with smugglers and protected them during their tenure are now themselves behind bars.”
