Yudh Nashian Virudh: Punjab Police Makes 97 Arrests on Day 46 of Anti-Drug Drive
Chandigarh, April 15, 2025 — As part of its ongoing state-wide anti-narcotics operation ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, the Punjab Police arrested 97 drug smugglers on Day 46 of the campaign. The crackdown also led to the seizure of 1.6 kg of heroin and ₹29,790 in drug-related cash, pushing the total number of arrests to 6,138 since the operation began.
The campaign, launched under the directive of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, reflects the state government’s zero-tolerance policy on drugs, with a clear objective of making Punjab a drug-free state.
Coordinated State-Wide Operation
The anti-drug drive was executed under the direct supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, and spanned all 28 police districts of the state.
According to Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, over 200 police teams comprising more than 1,200 personnel and supervised by 72 SP/DSP-rank officers conducted targeted raids at 433 locations across Punjab.
- 60 FIRs registered in a single day
- 475 suspicious individuals checked
- Eight addicts persuaded to undergo de-addiction treatment
“We are following a structured approach—Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP)—to combat this menace holistically,” said Special DGP Arpit Shukla.
Strategic Approach: EDP Model
The three-pronged EDP strategy—Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention—has emerged as the cornerstone of Punjab’s anti-drug mission.
- Enforcement
The core of the strategy involves stringent action against traffickers, suppliers, and smugglers operating within or passing through Punjab. The 97 arrests on Day 46 highlight the scale and continuity of enforcement measures.
- De-addiction
Police personnel have not only been making arrests but also engaging with victims of drug addiction. In this phase of the operation, eight individuals were encouraged to opt for rehabilitation and de-addiction programs—a sign of empathetic policing geared towards long-term change.
- Prevention
Alongside raids and treatment, awareness campaigns and preventive education continue to be deployed in schools, colleges, and community centers, aiming to stem first-time drug use.
High-Level Monitoring by Cabinet Sub-Committee
A special 5-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, headed by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, has been tasked with monitoring the progress of the operation. This panel works in close coordination with the Police Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) across districts.
CM Bhagwant Mann has repeatedly emphasized his commitment to freeing Punjab from the grip of narcotics, urging all enforcement and administrative bodies to act decisively.
“This is not just a police operation—it is a movement to reclaim the future of Punjab’s youth,” CM Mann said in an earlier address.
Yudh Nashian Virudh: A 46-Day Snapshot
| Day | Smugglers Arrested | Heroin Seized | Drug Money Recovered |
| 46 | 97 | 1.6 kg | ₹29,790 |
| Total (Since Launch) | 6,138 | Multiple kg (Total undisclosed) | Lakh+ in illicit proceeds |
Police sources indicate that a consolidated update with district-wise breakdowns of drug types seized, arrest demographics, and prosecution status will be released at the 60-day mark.