Chandigarh – In a sweeping crackdown against the drug menace, Punjab Police on Thursday carried out a massive cordon and search operation across all 28 police districts of the state, targeting bus terminals and suspected drug smuggling hotspots under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign.
The drive, launched two-and-a-half months ago under the directive of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, continues to gain momentum as law enforcement authorities seek to dismantle Punjab’s entrenched narcotics networks.
Statewide Operation Monitored at the Top
The latest phase of the operation was closely supervised by Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, who directed police commissioners and senior superintendents of police to deploy heavy police forces. All deployments were led by SP-rank officers to ensure tight security and effective enforcement.
Over 1,200 police personnel, organized into more than 200 teams, fanned out across the state to conduct raids and inspections at bus stands and surrounding areas. A total of 481 suspicious individuals were screened during the course of the day.
Raids and Arrests Surge as Campaign Progresses
In addition to the bus stand operation, Punjab Police conducted raids at 486 locations on Thursday alone, resulting in the arrest of 124 alleged drug smugglers and the registration of 83 FIRs, according to an official police statement.
Since the start of the campaign, a staggering 11,208 drug-related arrests have been made in just 75 days, reflecting the aggressive pace of the anti-drug push.
Thursday’s operations yielded significant seizures, including:
- 4.02 kg heroin
- 2.5 kg opium
- Rs 27,090 believed to be drug-related proceeds
Demolition of Drug Dens in Gurdaspur
In a dramatic move in Gurdaspur district, authorities used a bulldozer to demolish the illegally constructed homes of two alleged drug smugglers in Dida Sansia village. According to SSP Aaditya, the homes were built on encroached land owned by the Water Resource Department, and both accused have a history of criminal involvement.
Comprehensive Strategy to Eradicate Drugs
Special DGP Arpit Shukla reiterated Punjab Police’s commitment to the three-pronged ‘EDP’ strategy – Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention – being implemented in coordination with the state government.
“We will not relent until Punjab is free from the scourge of drugs,” Shukla affirmed.
As part of the de-addiction initiative, the police have also motivated 116 individuals to voluntarily undergo rehabilitation treatment, emphasizing the campaign’s humane and reformative approach in addition to strict law enforcement.
Looking Ahead
With the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign continuing to make headlines, the Punjab Police have sent a strong signal to traffickers and peddlers alike — that drug crimes will be met with zero tolerance and swift justice.
