DRI Inspector’s Arrest Uncovers Cross-State Nexus in Drug Trafficking: Punjab Finance Minister

• Apr 11, 2025

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday alleged that the arrest of a Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) inspector in a cross-border drug trafficking case highlights the involvement of law enforcement officials from other states in Punjab’s drug trade.

Cheema, who also heads the Cabinet sub-committee overseeing the state’s anti-drug campaign, made the remarks a day after Amritsar police arrested the Central agency officer along with seven others. Over 4 kg of heroin was recovered during the operation. The arrested DRI inspector hails from Rohtak in Haryana.

Speaking at a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted to identify the kingpin of the gang, with strict legal action to follow, irrespective of their official rank or affiliation.

“The Punjab Government is fulfilling its responsibility to combat cross-border drug smuggling, but the Union Government appears to be falling short in its duties,” he stated.

Updating the media on the ongoing crackdown against drugs, Cheema revealed that since the launch of the campaign on March 1, police have registered 3,279 cases under the NDPS Act and arrested 5,537 individuals in the last 41 days.

Seizures made during the drive include 212 kg of heroin, 6,945 kg of poppy husk, 105 kg of opium, 50 kg of ganja, 6 kg of charas, and approximately 9 lakh banned tablets and capsules. In addition, cash worth ₹6 crore was confiscated, and the illegal properties of 57 drug smugglers were demolished as part of the enforcement efforts.

Cheema reiterated the government’s resolve to dismantle the drug network in the state and hold all those involved accountable.