Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign: Over 3,200 NDPS Cases Filed Amidst Cross-Border Smuggling Concerns
Chandigarh, April 10, 2025: In a decisive move to combat the pervasive drug menace, Punjab’s Finance Minister, Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, reported substantial progress under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign. Launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the initiative has led to the registration of 3,279 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the arrest of 5,537 individuals over the past 41 days.
Key Achievements of the Campaign:
- Seizures: Authorities have confiscated 212 kg of heroin, 6,945 kg of poppy husk, 105 kg of opium, 50 kg of ganja, 6 kg of charas, and nearly 9 lakh banned tablets and capsules.
- Financial Assets: Drug money amounting to approximately ₹6 crore has been recovered, and illegal properties of 57 drug smugglers have been demolished.
A significant development emerged with the arrest of eight key operatives, including an enforcement officer from Rohtak, Haryana. The Amritsar police seized 4 kg of heroin from their possession, raising concerns about the involvement of enforcement officers from other states in Punjab’s drug trade. Minister Cheema assured a thorough investigation to identify the gang’s leadership and pledged strict legal action against all involved, irrespective of their positions.
Highlighting the state’s commitment, Minister Cheema criticized previous administrations for their inadequate response to the drug crisis. He pointed out that despite former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh’s promise to eradicate drugs within four weeks, the problem persisted. In contrast, the Aam Aadmi Party-led government has been proactively addressing the issue for the past three years, with the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign marking a significant stride in this ongoing battle.
Recent Developments in Amritsar:
Amritsar has been a focal point in the fight against drug trafficking. In February 2025, the Amritsar Rural Police uncovered a cross-border smuggling operation, arresting a smuggler and seizing 30 kg of heroin. Investigations revealed that drones were used to transport the drugs from Pakistan.
Further emphasizing the severity of the issue, in October 2024, the Counter Intelligence wing of Punjab Police seized 105 kg of heroin in the Baba Bakala area, marking one of the largest drug busts in recent times.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Plans:
The Punjab government has initiated several measures to strengthen its anti-drug efforts:
- Budget Allocation: A budget of approximately ₹980 crore has been allocated to promote sports, aiming to divert youth from drug-related activities.
- Technological Advancements: Funds have been allocated for anti-drone systems and a comprehensive drug census to bolster surveillance and control measures.
- Community Engagement: The government has been actively involving Panch-Sarpanchs, municipal councilors, and citizens in the campaign, fostering a collective approach to eradicate drugs.
Minister Cheema emphasized that the success of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign has not only disrupted local drug networks but has also attracted the attention of international agencies, including Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He assured that the Punjab Police would continue to take decisive action against any attempts to destabilize the state’s peace and harmony