Patiala/Rupnagar, 27 February – Stepping up its crackdown on drug trafficking, Punjab Police demolished illegal houses of drug peddlers in Patiala and Rupnagar on Thursday.
The operations, carried out with the help of local administrations, are part of the state government’s war on drugs, launched under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
In Patiala, police teams led by SSP Dr. Nanak Singh razed the house of Rinki, a notorious drug smuggler from Rori Kut Mohalla, Lakkad Mandi. She faces over 10 FIRs under the NDPS Act, registered between 2016 and 2024, and had been evading arrest for months.
“Her house was an illegal construction, built with drug money, and was demolished as per district administration orders,” Singh said, adding that stern action will continue against habitual offenders. A heavy police presence was maintained in the area during the operation.
In Rupnagar, a joint operation by the district police and administration saw the demolition of a house belonging to Salim Mohammad and his wife Asha, residents of Sadabrat village.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain and SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana said the couple had been running a drug business and faced three criminal cases each under the NDPS Act.
“Ganja and narcotic powder were recovered from them in previous cases,” said SSP Khurana, adding that their illegal house was demolished by the Municipal Council, Rupnagar, with police assistance.
The Punjab Government has directed all districts to intensify action against drug traffickers, including attaching their properties and expanding rehabilitation and de-addiction facilities. A five-member cabinet committee has been set up to oversee enforcement and treatment efforts.
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