CHANDIGARH, Mar 27: Punjab Police has shifted focus to dismantling high-level drug networks by targeting key suppliers and kingpins under its intensified anti-drug campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh 2.0,’ launched on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.
“We are not stopping at street-level arrests. Punjab Police teams are now rigorously questioning all arrested drug peddlers to trace and identify the big fish in the narcotics trade,” said Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav during a press conference at the Punjab Police Headquarters. He was accompanied by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Headquarters Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill.
The campaign, which began on March 1, has resulted in the arrest of 4,142 drug smugglers through 2,384 FIRs. Police have recovered 146.3 kg heroin, 85.3 kg opium, 19.95 quintals of poppy husk, 7.69 lakh intoxicant tablets and capsules, 1 kg ICE, and ₹5.83 crore in drug money.
DGP Yadav said that the crackdown has significantly reduced street-level drug availability, prompting the force to now pursue the masterminds behind the supply chain. “CPs and SSPs have been directed to identify and catalogue major drug suppliers in their districts within seven days,” he added.
Mohalla Committees to be formed
Taking inspiration from the success of Village Defence Committees (VDCs) in border areas, Punjab Police will form Mohalla Committees in urban areas to strengthen community-level vigilance.
“Just as VDCs strengthened rural policing, Mohalla Committees will empower urban communities to fight the drug menace collectively,” DGP Yadav said.
He urged citizens to report drug traffickers anonymously via the Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline (9779100200), calling public support vital to making Punjab drug-free.
