Punjab Police Arrests 75 Drug Smugglers in Day 6 of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign; Significant Drug Hauls Seized
Punjab Police’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Operation: 75 Drug Smugglers Arrested in Statewide Raids
Chandigarh, March 6 – Punjab Police’s ongoing war against drugs, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, is showing strong results as authorities continue to dismantle the drug trade across the state. On Thursday, the Punjab Police conducted raids at 501 locations across the state, leading to the arrest of 75 drug smugglers and the registration of 53 First Information Reports (FIRs). These operations have resulted in the arrest of 622 drug smugglers within just six days of the crackdown.
The operation, executed under the direct supervision of Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP), Gaurav Yadav, aligns with Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision of making Punjab a drug-free state. The raids have led to the recovery of 8.2 kg of heroin, 4.5 kg of opium, 1,294 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections, and ₹1.04 lakh in drug-related money from the arrested smugglers.
Intensified Crackdown with 250 Police Teams
As part of this wide-reaching operation, over 250 police teams, comprising 1,700 officers, have been dispatched across the state’s 28 police districts. The operation was spearheaded by 108 gazetted officers, including Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), who led the efforts on the ground. These teams have also checked 635 suspicious individuals, actively pursuing those involved in the illegal narcotics trade.
Special DGP for Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, confirmed that the multi-pronged approach implemented by the Punjab government—focusing on Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP)—is effectively combating drug abuse and smuggling in the state.
A Three-Pronged Strategy: Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention
The Punjab government has enforced a comprehensive strategy to tackle the drug crisis, focusing on:
- Enforcement – Intensifying police raids and arrests to break the drug supply chain.
- De-addiction – Assisting individuals struggling with drug addiction by providing treatment and rehabilitation options.
- Prevention – Raising awareness about the dangers of drugs through education and public outreach.
As part of the de-addiction efforts, the Punjab Police successfully convinced nine individuals to undergo rehabilitation treatment. Additionally, over 172 awareness events have been organized across the state to educate citizens, especially the youth, about the perils of drug abuse.
Drug-Free Punjab: The CM’s Vision
Under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab’s battle against drugs has gained significant momentum. Chief Minister Mann has set a goal for the state to become drug-free within the next three months, calling for strict action and full cooperation from all law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and citizens. In line with this, the Punjab government has also set up a 5-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to oversee and monitor the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign and ensure its success.
The government’s commitment to a drug-free Punjab is evident as CM Mann has directed all district police commissioners and senior officers to redouble efforts and expedite the crackdown. This proactive approach has garnered widespread public support, as citizens and officials alike recognize the need for urgent action to combat the devastating drug problem.
Rising Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the significant progress made in these first six days, Punjab continues to face considerable challenges in its fight against the drug trade. The widespread distribution networks, often linked to organized crime syndicates, pose a persistent threat. Punjab Police’s ongoing operations aim to dismantle these criminal networks by targeting their supply chains and intercepting drug shipments at all stages.
Special DGP Arpit Shukla has emphasized the need for continued vigilance, stating that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign will remain relentless. He confirmed that the state police are working around the clock, coordinating efforts across various districts to prevent any loopholes that could allow the drug trade to flourish once again.
Positive Impact on Communities
The statewide raids and arrests have already had a positive impact on local communities, with fewer drug-related incidents reported in areas previously known for high levels of drug abuse. The ongoing public education campaigns, coupled with police efforts to promote rehabilitation, are helping to reduce the demand for illegal substances.
Punjab Police continues to appeal to the public for cooperation and support in this crucial campaign. Community engagement has become a key component of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ operation, with citizens encouraged to report suspicious activities or individuals involved in the drug trade.
Conclusion: A Unified Effort to Eradicate Drugs from Punjab
As the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ operation enters its seventh day, Punjab Police remains committed to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking from the state. With the support of over 1,700 officers, continuous raids, and a robust three-pronged strategy, Punjab is taking decisive steps toward a drug-free future.
The collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and citizens will be pivotal in achieving the goal set by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. With a clear focus on enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention, Punjab is setting a powerful example for the rest of India in its efforts to combat the widespread drug crisis.