Punjab Police Intensifies ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ with Statewide Cordon and Search Operations
Punjab Police Launches Statewide Anti-Drug Operations, Arrests 89 Smugglers
In a significant escalation of its ongoing anti-drug initiative, the Punjab Police conducted a comprehensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) across all 28 police districts on Thursday, April 24. The operation, directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and overseen by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, aimed at dismantling drug networks operating in vulnerable establishments.
Coordinated Statewide Raids
Over 2,500 police personnel participated in the synchronized operation, targeting locations such as spa centers, bars, saloons, satta points, and sarais. The raids were conducted between 1 PM and 5 PM, with all Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) mobilizing maximum resources to ensure the operation’s success.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Human Rights and Law and Order, Naresh Arora, emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful approach during the operation. “We had strictly instructed all police personnel to deal with every person in a friendly and polite manner during the course of this operation,” he stated.
Arrests and Drug Seizures
The operation led to the arrest of 89 drug smugglers across the state. Police teams conducted raids at 87 spa centers, 24 bars, 666 saloons, 25 satta points, and 111 sarais. In addition to these arrests, the police continued their ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, conducting raids at 448 locations, which resulted in the recovery of 2.8 kg of heroin, 3.5 kg of opium, and ₹1.08 lakh in drug money. A total of 71 First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered during the day’s operations.
The cumulative number of drug smugglers arrested since the inception of the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign has now reached 7,295, with over 200 police teams involved in the ongoing efforts.
Public Confidence and Operational Adjustments
During a visit to the Civil Hospital in Rajpura, Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh observed an increased number of patients seeking medical services, reflecting growing public confidence in government healthcare facilities. Noticing the crowd outside the Medicine OPD and Pharmacy, he directed officials to optimize crowd management by deploying nursing and ITI students to improve queue systems. Additionally, he assured the provision of additional pharmaceutical officers and support staff to streamline operations at the facility.
Commitment to a Drug-Free Punjab
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the government’s commitment to making Punjab a drug-free state. The ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign employs a comprehensive strategy encompassing enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention. As part of the de-addiction efforts, five individuals were convinced to undergo rehabilitation treatment during the latest operations.
The Punjab Police has pledged to continue its rigorous operations until the menace of drugs is eradicated from the state, ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all citizens.