Punjab Police Intensifies Anti-Drug Campaign: Over 200 Arrested in Statewide Operations
Statewide Crackdown on Drug Operations
Chandigarh: On Saturday, the Punjab Police executed extensive cordon and search operations across the state, targeting 831 identified drug hotspots as part of their ongoing anti-drug initiative. This effort led to the arrest of 227 individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related activities, according to a senior police official.
As the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' (War Against Drugs) campaign marked its 322nd day, coordinated operations took place in all 28 police districts from 11 AM to 2 PM, following directives from Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.
Senior officials from the police headquarters were assigned to oversee the operations in various districts.
During these raids, police teams targeted 831 locations, resulting in the filing of 200 FIRs and the apprehension of 227 alleged drug traffickers.
Authorities seized 745 grams of heroin, 1.2 kg of opium, 550 grams of ganja, 4,935 intoxicating tablets and capsules, along with Rs 8,750 in cash linked to drug transactions.
Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla reported that since the campaign's launch on March 1, 2025, a total of 45,028 alleged drug smugglers have been arrested, and 31,370 FIRs have been registered throughout Punjab.
The crackdown has led to the recovery of significant quantities of drugs, including 1,961 kg of heroin, 607 kg of opium, 27.5 quintals of poppy husk, 47.57 lakh intoxicating tablets and capsules, 28 kg of methamphetamine ('ice'), and Rs 15.4 crore in drug money.
In addition to enforcement efforts, the Punjab Police is also prioritizing de-addiction and prevention strategies, having facilitated the admission of over 90,000 individuals into de-addiction centers.
The 'Safe Punjab' anti-drug WhatsApp chatbot (97791-00200) has garnered considerable public engagement, resulting in the registration of more than 11,591 FIRs based on citizen reports.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has instructed police commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior superintendents of police to strive towards achieving a drug-free Punjab.
Furthermore, the state government has established a five-member cabinet sub-committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to oversee the anti-drug campaign.