Punjab’s Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign: Major Drug Busts, 1758 Arrests, and Bulldozer Action Against Smugglers
Punjab’s Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign: 1259 FIRs, 1758 Arrests, and Bulldozing of 29 Illegal Properties
Chandigarh, March 13, 2025 – The Punjab government has made significant strides in its war against drug trafficking through the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The campaign, which kicked off in early March, has already yielded impressive results, with the authorities filing 1259 FIRs and arresting 1758 individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
At a press conference held at Punjab Bhawan, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who chairs the Cabinet Sub-Committee overseeing the campaign, revealed the progress and outcomes of the state’s anti-drug operations. The government’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse in the region has been reinforced by the demolition of 29 illegal properties belonging to drug smugglers, a bold move intended to send a strong message to the perpetrators.
Major Drug Seizures and Recoveries
The Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign has led to a series of large-scale narcotic seizures. As of now, authorities have confiscated an array of illegal substances from various drug trafficking operations across the state. Some of the significant items seized include:
- 81 kg of heroin
- 970 kg of poppy husk
- 51 kg of opium
- 10 kg of ganja
- 4 kg of charas
- 1 kg of ice (methamphetamine)
- 7,06,714 banned pharmaceuticals
Additionally, the authorities have recovered 22 two-wheelers, 4 cars, 12 pistols, and 8 mobile phones from individuals arrested in connection with drug trafficking activities.
Finance Minister Cheema highlighted the scale of these seizures as a reflection of the growing efforts to dismantle the narcotics network operating within the state. “The success of the campaign is not just about the quantity of drugs seized but also the significant amount of money—Rs 60 lakh—that has been recovered from the smugglers,” he noted. This amount represents a fraction of the funds believed to be generated by the illicit drug trade in Punjab.
Bulldozer Action on Illegal Properties
One of the most high-profile actions taken as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign has been the demolition of illegal properties owned by drug smugglers. Using bulldozers, the Punjab administration has demolished the homes and businesses of 29 individuals involved in drug trafficking. This action serves as a symbolic and tangible measure of the government’s resolve to break the backbone of organized drug syndicates.
The demolitions also underscore the government’s strategy of targeting not just the individuals responsible for the drug trade, but also the assets that are built on illegal activities. “By demolishing these properties, we are sending a strong message that the state will not tolerate drug-related crimes, and we will take every necessary step to dismantle these networks,” said Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Raising Awareness and Community Involvement
The Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign is not only about enforcement but also about involving the community in the fight against drug abuse. Finance Minister Cheema pointed out that efforts have been made to engage various sections of society, particularly the youth and community leaders, in the battle against narcotics.
To this end, the Punjab government has organized 1028 meetings with students across schools and colleges to educate them about the dangers of drug abuse. Additionally, 122 SAMPARK meetings have been held with members of village panchayats to raise awareness and foster greater participation in the campaign. These initiatives are designed to create a collaborative effort in combating the pervasive drug menace in the region.
Upcoming Cabinet Sub-Committee Meeting
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced that a Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting would be held on March 14 to review the progress of the campaign. The meeting will focus on evaluating the current strategies and discussing new measures that can further strengthen the government’s fight against drug trafficking.
Cheema emphasized that the focus would be on speeding up the process of law enforcement and ensuring that the anti-drug operations are even more effective moving forward. “We want to make this campaign faster, stronger, and more impactful,” Cheema said. “We are determined to rid Punjab of the drug menace once and for all.”
A Continued Commitment to Fighting Drug Abuse
Punjab’s Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign represents a bold and comprehensive approach to combating drug abuse in the state. The government’s multi-faceted strategy, which combines strict law enforcement with proactive community engagement, has already proven successful in delivering results. With continued efforts from both the authorities and the public, Punjab is working towards a safer and drug-free future for its citizens.
Minister Cheema concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the Punjab government to continue this relentless fight against drug trafficking and abuse. “The campaign is just beginning, and we will not rest until we have completely eradicated the drug trade from Punjab,” he stated.