Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and Akali Dal while alleging that both parties "brought drugs" to the state. He further stated that over 872 FIRS had been filed in the last 1.5 weeks and about 1200 crore people had been arrested. "When BJP and Akali Dal had come to Punjab is when drugs were introduced to the state for the first time and now AAP has been making attempts to finish it," Cheema said speaking to the media.

Further, he said "We have filed more than 872 FIRs in the last 1.5 weeks and about 1200 crore people have been arrested. Drugs worth Rs 35 lakh have also been recovered and more than 8 quintal of poppy husk has also been recovered." On March 5, Cheema reaffirmed the state's commitment to the anti-drug campaign and said that strict action would be taken against offenders as per CM Bhagwant Mann's directives. According to Punjab Police, it has intensified efforts across the state under its anti-drug drive 'War Against Drugs'.