Punjab Police Arrests 70 Drug Smugglers in Day 3 of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign
Punjab Police Makes Major Drug Smuggling Arrests in ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign
Chandigarh, March 3 – In a significant development in the ongoing fight against drug abuse, Punjab Police arrested 70 drug smugglers on Day 3 of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s war on drugs. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab’s police forces have intensified efforts to curb the drug menace with a series of coordinated raids, leading to the arrest of hundreds of criminals and the seizure of significant quantities of illicit drugs.
Day 3 of the War on Drugs
The Yudh Nashian Virudh initiative, aimed at eradicating drug trafficking and abuse, has made substantial progress. On Day 3, Punjab Police arrested 70 drug smugglers across the state, including two suspects who were apprehended after a dramatic exchange of fire with law enforcement. The police also registered 48 FIRs (First Information Reports), reflecting the ongoing commitment to dismantle the drug trade in Punjab.
Since the campaign began, the total number of drug smugglers arrested has risen to 403, highlighting the growing success of the crackdown. Among the seized items were 4.63 kg of heroin, 500 grams of ganja, 100 grams of opium, and 1548 intoxicant pills. In addition, police recovered Rs. 1.32 lakh in drug money, which has been confiscated for further investigation.
Key Arrests and Firefights with Drug Smugglers
The operations, ordered by Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, were carried out simultaneously in all 28 police districts of the state. Among the most notable incidents, police arrested Jagtar Singh and Angrez Singh in Amritsar Rural on Saturday, where 1 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) was seized along with Rs. 1.4 lakh in drug money.
In a dramatic turn of events, Jagtar Singh attempted to escape while in police custody near the Defence drain Attari. In response, the police opened fire, injuring Singh in the right leg before recapturing him. He was immediately provided medical care and is currently in police custody.
In another operation in Amritsar, Sahil alias Neela, a notorious drug smuggler from Faizpura, was arrested after a brief gunfight with the police near Palm Garden Colony. After opening fire on the police party, Neela was shot at and apprehended, with a .32 bore pistol recovered from his possession.
A Three-Pronged Approach: Enforcement, Deaddiction, and Prevention (EDP)
The Punjab government has adopted a three-pronged strategy—Enforcement, Deaddiction, and Prevention (EDP)—to address the issue of drug abuse. The Enforcement aspect focuses on aggressive police operations to disrupt drug trafficking, while Deaddiction efforts aim to provide support and rehabilitation for drug users. The Prevention wing of the campaign focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of drugs.
As part of the Prevention strategy, Punjab Police has conducted numerous events aimed at educating the public about the dangers of drug use. On Sunday alone, 137 awareness events were held across the state, including seminars, awareness camps, and public meetings, in all 28 police districts.
Search Operations in Jails
To combat drug smuggling within the prison system, Punjab Police conducted simultaneous search operations in eight major jails across the state, including Central Jail Patiala, New Jail Nabha, and District Jails in Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Mansa, and Rupnagar. During these searches, police teams thoroughly inspected barracks, kitchens, and toilets, ensuring no illicit drugs or contraband were hidden within the facilities.
The state’s Special DGP Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, confirmed that these operations are part of a broader strategy to ensure that prisons are not used as hubs for the distribution of narcotics.
Punjab Police’s Commitment to a Drug-Free State
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has made it clear that his administration is fully committed to making Punjab a drug-free state within the next three months. To support this ambitious goal, the Punjab government has constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, which will oversee the implementation and progress of the war against drugs.
Minister Cheema and other officials have expressed their resolve to crack down on the narcotics trade and provide a safer, healthier environment for Punjab’s citizens.
Public Support Is Crucial
As the crackdown continues, Punjab Police has emphasized the importance of public involvement in the fight against drugs. Community cooperation is essential in ensuring the success of these initiatives. With the continued support of law enforcement, the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign is expected to make significant strides in reducing drug abuse and trafficking.
Conclusion
Punjab’s Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign has made notable progress in the ongoing battle against drugs, with over 70 smugglers arrested on the third day alone. With robust operations, public awareness events, and a clear commitment from the state government, the campaign is showing promising results. By combining enforcement, deaddiction, and prevention efforts, the state aims to rid Punjab of its drug menace, ensuring a brighter future for its residents.