Ludhiana: Faris Ahmad, a student from Jammu and Kashmir, traveled to Punjab in 2025 to pursue a pharmacy course after his family spent nearly one lakh rupees to secure his admission.
Faris was assigned a hostel room with students from various states. Soon after arrival, he noticed behavior among his roommates that left him uncertain and distressed.
“In the evenings, my roommates started taking drugs. They used injections and tablets in front of me. I did not know what to do,” Faris said.
“I could not tell my parents about what was happening. Every day they were using drugs while I did not smoke or take anything.”
For Faris, the days turned into a struggle for survival rather than study. He avoided participating but had to spend time in the same environment. He said he focused on physical exercise and maintaining his routine to cope.“Every day I kept breathing and exercising, not for studies but to stay away from drugs,” he said.
The situation worsened when a youth at the college died from a drug overdose in early October 2025. Following this, Faris left the college without informing anyone.
Punjab has long been facing a drug crisis that attracts national attention. The state government launched a campaign called “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) in 2024 to curb the issue. According to a report dated October 28, 2025, the Punjab Police arrested 34,362 drug smugglers within the first 241 days of the campaign.
Officials report that drug abuse in Punjab is widespread, with heroin, opium, and synthetic substances being the most common. Studies, including the Punjab Opioid Dependence Survey (PODS) in 2015, indicated that a significant proportion of males aged 18-35 were dependent on opioids or regular users.
“Drug use is visible across many communities. It affects students, laborers, and households alike,” a Punjab Police official said. “We have intensified operations to target suppliers and disrupt distribution networks. The arrests are part of an ongoing effort to reduce access to illegal drugs.”
The consequences of drug abuse in the state are severe. Overdoses occur frequently, and shared needles contribute to the spread of diseases, including HIV. Families report financial losses, mental stress, and social disruption linked to drug addiction.Faris said he witnessed the impact firsthand at his college.
“I saw how daily use affected people around me. Some students lost focus on their studies. Some were ill, and one person died. It was frightening to see this happening while I had no way to stop it.”
Authorities argue that educational institutions are particularly vulnerable. Dormitory settings, peer influence, and lack of immediate oversight create opportunities for drug use. The state’s campaign also focuses on awareness programs in schools and colleges to inform students about the dangers of substance abuse.
“Preventing young people from getting involved with drugs requires both law enforcement and education,” the official said.
“We aim to provide support and counseling alongside arrests and seizures. The campaign is not only about stopping supply but also about reducing demand.”
Faris’s family said they were unaware of his experiences until he returned home. “We trusted the college and the system,” his father said. “We never imagined he would face such a situation.”
The state government has committed to continuing the anti-drug campaign with measures that include monitoring educational institutions, tightening law enforcement at borders, and collaborating with local communities to identify at-risk individuals.
Meanwhile, Faris is preparing to resume his studies in a safer environment. “I want to continue my course, but I need to be away from drugs and the environment that encourages it,” he said.
The situation in Punjab remains critical, and the government emphasizes that the fight against drugs is ongoing. Officials urge families and students to report suspicious activity and to use available resources for prevention and rehabilitation.
Faris’s story is one among many that illustrates the pervasive nature of drug abuse in the state and its impact on youth who arrive hoping to pursue education and opportunities.
The campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh” continues to operate under strict measures, with the goal of reducing both the supply and consumption of illegal substances in Punjab.
