In a dramatic development on July 19, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) launched coordinated raids across 22 de-addiction centres in Punjab, unearthing what appears to be a chilling misuse of rehabilitation infrastructure. These centres—spanning cities like Ludhiana, Barnala, and Chandigarh—are alleged to have been facilitating the sale and consumption of illegal drugs under the guise of rehabilitation.
Initial reports suggest that these facilities were being used not only to shield traffickers from law enforcement but also as clandestine points of drug distribution. One of the most shocking revelations came from a centre with operational links to Mumbai, raising questions about the extent of the nexus between interstate drug networks and local rehab operators.
Punjab, already grappling with a longstanding drug crisis, has invested heavily in de-addiction infrastructure. The state government has often touted these centres as pillars of its public health and rehabilitation strategy. However, the ED’s raids have exposed serious flaws in regulation, monitoring, and certification processes.
According to insiders, many of these centres were operating with forged documents or expired licenses, exploiting legal loopholes while continuing to receive patients. There is also concern that some were politically shielded, allowing them to thrive despite multiple complaints.
The ED’s actions have sent ripples through Punjab’s healthcare and law enforcement circles. Public health experts warn that such revelations could deter families from seeking help for addicted individuals, fearing stigma and safety issues. The state government has since ordered a comprehensive audit of all de-addiction facilities, promising strict action against violators.
The raids underscore the urgent need to overhaul Punjab’s drug rehabilitation framework, ensuring transparency, accountability, and genuine care for those struggling with addiction. Without such reforms, de-addiction centres may become yet another front in Punjab’s protracted battle against narcotics.
This is a web generated news report.
