CHANDIGARH, May 23: Under the ongoing ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign to eradicate drug abuse and trafficking from Punjab, police on Thursday arrested 101 drug smugglers and seized narcotics and cash worth lakhs. The sweeping operation, carried out across all 28 police districts of the state, was part of the 82nd day of the state-led anti-drug initiative.
According to senior police officials, the crackdown led to the recovery of 15.9 kilograms of heroin, 102 kilograms of poppy husk, and ₹25.52 lakh in alleged drug proceeds. The drive was conducted under the supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav and coordinated by Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla.
More than 1,300 personnel across 200 police teams carried out raids at 460 locations statewide. During the intense day-long operation, 497 individuals suspected of involvement in illegal narcotics were also checked and 79 fresh FIRs were registered.
Since the launch of the campaign, Punjab Police have arrested a total of 12,650 individuals in drug-related cases, marking a determined push by the state to eliminate the roots of the drug menace. “The drive reflects the unwavering resolve of Punjab Police and the state government in waging a war against drugs,” said Shukla.
The initiative is being closely monitored by a five-member Cabinet sub-committee headed by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. The panel is tasked with ensuring systematic oversight of the anti-drug measures, policy execution, and inter-agency coordination.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed senior officials including Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) to redouble efforts and remain proactive in the mission to make Punjab a drug-free state.
State authorities reaffirmed that the campaign will continue aggressively in the coming weeks, with daily evaluations and real-time monitoring of progress.
