21 October 2026 (Navroze Bureau) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has raised concerns over cross-border drug smuggling and the activities of gangster networks, questioning Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the measures being taken to address these challenges. The issue highlights Punjab’s continuing concerns about drug trafficking, organized crime and the security of its border areas.
Punjab shares an international border with Pakistan, making the movement of illegal drugs and other contraband a major security concern for the state. Security agencies have repeatedly focused on the use of drones and other methods to move narcotics across the border. These developments have increased the importance of coordination between central agencies and the Punjab government.
Mann’s questions to Shah bring attention to the responsibilities of the central government in managing border security and preventing the entry of illegal drugs. Since border management involves central security agencies, cooperation between the Union government and state authorities remains essential to addressing cross-border criminal activities.
Cross-Border Drug Smuggling Remains a Major Concern
Drug trafficking continues to be a significant challenge for Punjab, where authorities have undertaken enforcement campaigns and public initiatives aimed at tackling substance abuse. The movement of narcotics across the international border presents difficulties for law enforcement agencies, particularly when smugglers use technology and organized networks to avoid detection.
Drones have emerged as an important concern for security agencies monitoring the India-Pakistan border. Small unmanned aircraft can be used to transport illegal consignments, creating additional challenges for surveillance and interception. Agencies responsible for border security must therefore combine physical patrols, technological monitoring, intelligence gathering and coordination with local police.
The state government also faces the responsibility of identifying and dismantling local distribution networks that move illegal substances from supply points to consumers. Effective action requires investigations that target not only individuals carrying drugs but also the wider networks involved in financing, transportation and distribution.
Mann’s questions underline the importance of examining how effectively different agencies are working together to prevent narcotics from entering the state and reaching vulnerable communities.
Gangster Networks and Organised Crime
The activities of criminal gangs have also remained a concern for Punjab’s law enforcement authorities. Gangster networks may be involved in extortion, targeted violence, illegal weapons, threats and other criminal activities. Investigators often face the challenge of tracking connections between local offenders, individuals operating from outside the state and suspected criminal handlers based abroad.
Tackling such networks requires more than isolated arrests. Police investigations, financial intelligence, digital evidence, interstate cooperation and action against illegal weapons can help authorities identify the structures supporting organized crime.
Central agencies may also play a role when investigations involve international connections, financial offences or activities that cross state and national boundaries. Better coordination can help investigators exchange intelligence, trace suspects and pursue criminal cases more effectively.
The questions raised by the Punjab chief minister place these concerns within the wider discussion about public safety and the effectiveness of the existing response to organized crime.
Centre-State Coordination Is Crucial
The fight against cross-border smuggling and organized crime requires cooperation between the Union government and the Punjab administration. Border security, intelligence sharing, policing and criminal investigations involve different agencies with separate responsibilities. Gaps in communication or delays in sharing information can make it more difficult to disrupt criminal networks.
The central government oversees key aspects of international border management, while the state police are responsible for maintaining law and order and investigating offences within their jurisdiction. Coordination between these authorities is therefore important for preventing illegal consignments from entering the state and stopping criminal groups from expanding their operations.
A coordinated approach can include stronger surveillance, timely intelligence sharing, investigations into financial networks and improved action against those who facilitate trafficking. Authorities must also ensure that investigations lead to evidence-based prosecutions and that criminal cases are handled through the legal system.
Mann’s questions to Shah draw attention to the political and administrative accountability surrounding these efforts. They also highlight the need for governments to explain the steps being taken to address security threats that affect residents and communities.
Drug Prevention Requires a Wider Strategy
While border enforcement and police action are important, experts and public health advocates have often emphasized that drug-related challenges cannot be addressed through arrests alone. Prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and support for affected families are also essential parts of a sustainable response.
Punjab’s anti-drug efforts require attention to both the supply of illegal substances and the demand that allows local distribution networks to continue operating. Community awareness, accessible treatment services and support for people recovering from substance dependence can complement law enforcement operations.
Young people and vulnerable communities can benefit from educational programmes, early intervention and opportunities that reduce their exposure to drug-related risks. Families also need reliable information about treatment options and ways to seek assistance without stigma.
At the same time, investigations into major suppliers, financial facilitators and organized criminal groups remain important for disrupting the commercial networks behind illegal drug distribution.
Accountability and the Road Ahead
The concerns raised by Mann place renewed focus on the need for measurable progress against cross-border drug trafficking and gangster-related crime. The effectiveness of any strategy ultimately depends on whether agencies can prevent illegal consignments, dismantle criminal networks, secure convictions where evidence supports prosecution and reduce the harm experienced by affected communities.
The exchange also reflects the broader political debate over the division of responsibilities between the central government and Punjab. While governments may disagree over the causes of security problems or the effectiveness of particular measures, cooperation remains necessary to address threats that extend beyond administrative boundaries.
Further progress will depend on sustained coordination, stronger intelligence systems, effective investigations and continued investment in prevention and rehabilitation. Clear public communication about enforcement results and the responsibilities of different agencies can also help residents assess the impact of government action.
As the discussion over cross-border drugs and gangster networks continues, Punjab’s central challenge remains protecting public safety while ensuring that enforcement, treatment and prevention efforts work together. The questions directed at Amit Shah have brought this challenge into focus, emphasizing the importance of accountability and coordinated action in tackling drug trafficking and organized crime.