Punjab Police Arrests 124 Drug Smugglers in Day 49 of ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’
Chandigarh, April 18, 2025: In a significant escalation of its ongoing battle against drug trafficking, the Punjab Police arrested 124 drug smugglers and seized 2.5 kilograms of heroin along with ₹2.02 lakh in drug money on the 49th day of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (War Against Drugs) campaign. This brings the total number of arrests to 6,573 since the operation’s inception.
Under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, over 200 police teams, comprising more than 1,400 personnel and supervised by 92 senior officers, conducted coordinated raids across 464 locations statewide. These operations resulted in the registration of 77 First Information Reports (FIRs) and the apprehension of 490 individuals deemed suspicious during the crackdown.
Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla emphasized the comprehensive nature of the operation, stating that the police have implemented a three-pronged strategy focusing on Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP) to eradicate the drug menace. As part of the de-addiction efforts, three individuals were persuaded to undergo rehabilitation treatment.
In a bid to curb illegal activities within correctional facilities, the Punjab Police also conducted extensive searches in jails across six districts: Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar Rural, and Tarn Taran. These operations aimed to detect and dismantle any drug-related networks operating from within the prison system.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has lauded the Punjab Police’s relentless efforts and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to achieving a drug-free Punjab. The government has established a five-member Cabinet Sub Committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, to oversee and monitor the progress of the anti-drug initiative.
The ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign has garnered widespread support from various sectors of society, including local communities, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The Punjab Police continues to urge citizens to report any drug-related activities and to participate actively in community awareness programs aimed at preventing drug abuse.
With the sustained efforts of the Punjab Police and the collaborative involvement of the community, the state aims to dismantle the drug trade and rehabilitate affected individuals, fostering a healthier and safer environment for all residents.