ED Raids De-Addiction Centres in Punjab, Maharashtra Over Illegal Drug Sale Case

Fast Summary

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on multiple locations in Punjab and Mumbai on July 18, 2025, as part of a money-laundering inquiry under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
• These raids are linked too allegations regarding the “illegal” sale of drugs from private de-addiction centres in Punjab.
• The probe originates from FIRs filed by Punjab Police against individuals including Dr.Amit bansal, who operates 22 drug de-addiction centres across Punjab.
• Investigative findings revealed misuse of Buprenorphine/Naloxone (BNX), medicine meant for addiction treatment, allegedly leading to a new form of drug abuse.
• A pharmaceutical company named Rusan Pharma Limited and drugs inspector Rupinder Kaur are also implicated in forwarding incorrect inspection reports about alleged medicine pilferage.

Indian opinion Analysis

The ongoing investigation highlights significant challenges faced by India’s healthcare sector in managing drug addiction rehabilitation programs effectively and preventing systemic misuse. By shining a spotlight on such alleged misconduct tied to private facilities entrusted wiht public health responsibilities, it underscores the need for stricter oversight and regulation around prescription medications used for addiction recovery treatments like Buprenorphine/Naloxone (BNX). If proven, these actions coudl jeopardize broader efforts to combat substance abuse across northern states like Punjab-historically vulnerable to narcotics issues-and further entangle government initiatives aimed at rehabilitating addicts through community partnerships.

For India tackling corruption or mismanagement within key health-focused domains remains critical not only from an enforcement standpoint but also when considering it’s ripple effects on societal trust toward medical systems combating crises like drug epidemics.Read More: Published – July 18, 2025