The Aryavarth Express
Chandigarh (Punjab):
Punjab’s intensified campaign against narcotics, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, marked another major milestone on its 304th day, with the Punjab Police arresting 113 drug smugglers during statewide operations. The action followed coordinated raids at 319 locations across the state, during which 82 FIRs were registered.
Over 1,000 police personnel, organised into more than 120 teams and supervised by 71 gazetted officers, participated in the day-long operation. With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended since the launch of the campaign has risen to 42,480.
During the raids, police recovered 455 grams of heroin, 25 kg of poppy husk, 1,995 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and Rs 54,440 in drug money. Additionally, 322 suspicious persons were checked as part of the intensive enforcement drive.
Alongside enforcement, the Punjab Police also focused on rehabilitation efforts. As part of the de-addiction initiative, 46 individuals were persuaded to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.
Earlier, in a significant breakthrough, the Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted a cross-border drug smuggling cartel with alleged links to Pakistan-based handlers. Seven accused were arrested, and 4.075 kg of heroin, 1 kg of methamphetamine (ICE), and a 9mm Glock pistol were recovered. Preliminary investigations suggest the contraband was smuggled from Pakistan and distributed in Punjab through local modules operating via social media. Further investigations are ongoing.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police to intensify efforts to make Punjab drug-free. To monitor the campaign, the state government has also constituted a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
The Punjab government continues to pursue its three-pronged strategy—Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP)—to combat drug abuse and trafficking across the state.
