Punjab Police’s War on Drugs: 38 Arrested in Massive Search Operation at 225 Bus Stands
Punjab Police Leads State-Wide Drug Crackdown: 38 Arrested, Over 2KG Drugs Seized
In a continuing effort to rid Punjab of the rampant drug menace, Punjab Police intensified its operations across the state on April 7, 2025. Under the banner of the ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs), Punjab Police conducted an extensive cordon and search operation (CASO) at 225 bus stands, covering all 28 police districts. This operation, a major step in Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s commitment to eradicating drugs from the state, resulted in the arrest of 38 drug smugglers, along with the recovery of significant quantities of illicit substances, including 2.2 kilograms of heroin and 1.8 kilograms of opium.
The Scale of the Operation
The massive search operation involved over 200 police teams, comprising more than 1,200 police personnel and 87 gazetted officers. The teams combed 225 bus stands, checking a total of 2,947 individuals throughout the day. Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, was personally monitoring the operation. The state’s drive, which has been intensifying over the last 38 days, is a direct response to the worsening drug crisis that has affected millions of lives in Punjab.
The state-wide operation also saw raids at 466 locations, which led to the arrests of 38 drug smugglers. With 31 FIRs (First Information Reports) filed, the total number of arrests related to the drug crackdown has now reached an impressive 5,239 arrests since the launch of “Yudh Nashian Virudh.” The ongoing operations reflect the Punjab Police’s determination to make significant strides in the fight against drug trafficking and addiction.
Heroin, Opium, and Drug Money Seized
In addition to the large number of arrests, the police recovered over 2.2 kilograms of heroin and 1.8 kilograms of opium from the suspects’ possession. These drugs are among the most commonly abused substances in the state and are a major concern for authorities. The police also seized ₹17,600 in drug money, further highlighting the scale of the drug trade in the region.
The sheer volume of drugs recovered during these operations emphasizes the severity of the drug crisis and the role of drug trafficking networks operating across the state. The operations are part of a larger strategy by the Punjab Police to systematically dismantle drug networks while providing a strong message to smugglers that the authorities are relentlessly pursuing drug-related crimes.
Ongoing War Against Drugs: A Comprehensive Strategy
The operations have been conducted under the close supervision of the Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav. Police teams were deployed under the supervision of senior officers, including SP rank officers, to ensure the effectiveness of the raids. As Special DGP Arpit Shukla explained, Punjab Police is not only focused on enforcement but is also committed to prevention and de-addiction as part of the broader strategy known as Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP).
The focus on de-addiction is especially evident with the successful rehabilitation of individuals involved in the drug trade. During one of the recent operations, Punjab Police successfully convinced a drug user to undergo treatment and rehabilitation, reflecting the state’s holistic approach to addressing drug abuse.
Raids at Jails Across Punjab
In addition to the bus stands and other locations, police teams also conducted searches at jails in six districts, including Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Batala, Amritsar Rural, and Tarn Taran. These jails have been identified as potential hotspots for illegal activities, including the smuggling of drugs. Police forces carried out thorough searches of every nook and cranny of the jail complexes, including barracks, kitchens, and toilets, in a bid to curb the flow of contraband into the prison system.
The search operations in jails are a part of the police’s strategy to prevent inmates from continuing their criminal activities even while incarcerated. Such measures ensure that prisons are not used as conduits for smuggling drugs, making it harder for drug networks to thrive inside the jails.
Commitment to a Drug-Free Punjab
Punjab’s war on drugs is being spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who has made it clear that his government will leave no stone unturned in its fight to make Punjab a drug-free state. The state’s multi-pronged approach—comprising law enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention—reflects a commitment to not only tackle the current drug crisis but also prevent future generations from falling prey to drug abuse.
The Punjab Police’s ongoing operations, like the one conducted at 225 bus stands, are just one part of a broader effort to ensure that Punjab’s future is free from the stranglehold of illegal drugs. The scale and success of these operations highlight the state government’s unwavering commitment to tackling this pervasive issue head-on.
Looking Ahead: The Battle Continues
While these operations are significant milestones in the fight against drugs, the war is far from over. Punjab Police continues to carry out these operations daily, with a focus on high-risk areas and drug hotspots. As the state government and police forces work together to make lasting change, it is clear that Punjab’s battle against drugs will require sustained efforts and collective action from all levels of society.
The success of these operations is a testament to the effectiveness of coordinated police action, community involvement, and a clear, actionable strategy. However, the battle to eliminate drugs from Punjab will only succeed if these efforts are sustained and continuously expanded to reach all corners of the state.