Top Indian News
+

Punjab Fights Jail Drug Trade with Trained Sniffer Dogs Under Bhagwant Mann Government’s Tough Campaign

Punjab government has launched a new step against drug trade inside jails. Specially trained sniffer dogs will be deployed in major prisons to detect narcotics, mobiles and contraband items effectively.

Author
Edited By: Vinay
Follow us:

man sarkar

Punjab News: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has introduced a historic step to cut the roots of drug trafficking inside jails. During a cabinet meeting held on October 13, the state approved the induction of trained sniffer dogs in six central jails. These Labradors will come from special canine programs of BSF and CRPF. Their task will be to detect heroin, opium derivatives, local liquor, mobile phones, and drones. Officials believe this will strengthen prison security. It is also seen as a milestone under the “War Against Drugs” campaign.

Finance Minister Explains New Initiative

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said the trained dogs would act as a “force multiplier” inside jails. He stressed that each dog is specially prepared to track drugs and contraband. Recent raids showed that 15 out of 24 jails had active drug supply networks. Around 42 percent of prisoners are already booked under the NDPS Act. With the entry of sniffer dogs, surprise checks and visitor inspections will become tougher. Authorities hope the supply chain inside prisons will collapse. The decision has been welcomed widely as part of governance reforms.

Sniffer Dogs Chosen for Punjab Prisons

Each dog costs about 2.5 lakh but after full training and equipment the expense rises to 15 lakh. The government approved six dogs for a total of 90 lakh. Training will also be given to prison staff at Phillaur Police Academy where a successful canine program already runs. The initiative has been cleared under a special exemption in the Transparency in Public Procurement Act to make the process faster. Officers say these dogs will soon be stationed in Ludhiana, Amritsar, Patiala, Nabha and Bathinda jails.

Past Experience Shows Strong Results

This is not the first time Punjab has used dogs against illegal trade. Earlier, the Excise Department deployed two sniffer dogs that exposed several cases of illicit liquor. The existing canine units of Punjab Police have also stopped many mobile phone smuggling attempts inside jails. Officials said the new team will strengthen the older units and deliver better results. Already 25 jail officers were suspended under the anti-drug campaign for collusion. The government wants zero tolerance for drugs in all correctional facilities.

Statistics Highlight Drug Problem in Jails

Punjab Police reports show the scale of the crisis. In 2024, police recovered more than 1,100 kilograms of heroin. NDPS cases also dropped by 25 percent last year but still remained over 9,000. Inside jails, most smuggling was linked to drones, visitor packages, and even collusion of staff. Now, the government wants to create a clean system where detection happens quickly. Sniffer dogs will help seal the loopholes. This model may later expand to all 24 jails of the state.

Public Reaction to New Announcement

The move has generated strong reactions on social media. Many users praised the government for thinking innovatively to cut drug supply. One comment said, “Sniffer dogs are the roar of security inside jails.” Another wrote that this proves good governance can make impossible things possible. Security experts are calling this a “game changer.” It is expected to bring fresh discipline among staff and prisoners alike. For many families in Punjab, this is a ray of hope against narcotics.

Chief Minister Mann’s Clear Message

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said the war against drugs is not only a job for police but also for society. He declared that once prisons are cleaned, Punjab will improve as a whole. He urged youth to stay away from narcotics and focus on their dreams. The campaign has already suspended corrupt staff and cut down drug supply lines. With sniffer dogs in place, officials believe a drug-free Punjab is closer to reality. Mann’s message is that the battle must continue until every jail is free of drugs.

Tags :

Recent News

×