The Punjab government has officially sanctioned the establishment of the Punjab Counter Narcotics Force (PCNF) through the newly enacted Punjab Control of Narcotics Substances Act 2025.
As outlined in the legislation passed by the Provincial Assembly’s Standing Committee, the PCNF will be led by a Director General, who may be a serving or retired officer from the armed forces. This specialized force will possess powers similar to those of the police, including the authority to investigate, arrest, and conduct raids without requiring a warrant.
Designed to aggressively tackle drug trafficking and consumption, especially in and around educational institutions, the law grants the PCNF the ability to seize assets linked to narcotics operations, with provisions to auction these assets to support the agency’s functioning.
Another key provision under the new law is that forensic reports issued by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency will now be recognized as legally admissible evidence in drug-related cases.
To strengthen enforcement at the grassroots level, Narcotics Control Stations will be established in every district and tehsil, with officers operating in designated uniforms and having access to confidential operational budgets.
The law also mandates the creation of a centralized data system and enforces compulsory coordination among provincial and federal agencies to ensure a unified response.
Furthermore, the provincial government will be empowered to revise and expand the list of controlled substances as necessary.
In efforts to maintain accountability, any official found responsible for lodging a false narcotics-related FIR will face legal consequences.
The legislation incorporates international best practices in drug regulation and recognizes previous actions taken under older narcotics laws.
Additionally, the law empowers the government to formulate rules, amend provisions, and issue clarifications to facilitate effective enforcement.
The launch of the PCNF marks a strategic transformation in Punjab’s approach to controlling drug abuse and trafficking, reflecting a firm commitment to public health and safety.