Chandigarh: Punjab Police intensified its campaign againstnarcotics on Tuesday by carrying out raids at 452 locations across the state, resulting in the arrest of 151 drug smugglers. The operation, part of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s ongoing “Yudh Nashian Virudh” initiative, marked the 171st consecutive day of action against drugs.
According to police data, 111 FIRs were registered during the drive, taking the total number of arrests since the beginning of the campaign to 26,542. The raids also led to the seizure of 1.5 kg of heroin, 3,122 intoxicant tablets and capsules, and ₹28,990 in cash.
The state-wide operation was carried out on the directions of Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav and took place simultaneously in all 28 police districts. Over 120 police teams, comprising more than 1,100 personnel and supervised by 76 gazetted officers, were deployed. During the crackdown, officers also checked 425 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal activities.
Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla said the government has been implementing a three-pronged strategy of enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention to curb the drug problem. As part of the ‘De-addiction’ component, police on Tuesday persuaded 84 people to undergo treatment and rehabilitation.
Chief Minister Mann has instructed police commissioners, deputy commissioners, and senior superintendents of police to work with full commitment to make Punjab a drug-free state. To ensure strict monitoring, the government has set up a five-member cabinet subcommittee headed by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
