Chandigarh, July 3
On the 124th day of the Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign, launched under the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to eliminate the drug menace in Punjab, Punjab Police arrested 107 drug smugglers on Thursday. The operation resulted in the recovery of 1.2 kg of heroin and ₹21,980 in drug money. This brings the total number of drug smugglers arrested to 20,287 since the campaign began.
Statewide Operation
Directed by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, the operation was conducted simultaneously across all 28 police districts in the state. Over 220 police teams, comprising more than 1,500 personnel and supervised by 100 gazetted officers, carried out raids at 495 locations, leading to the registration of 78 First Information Reports (FIRs). Additionally, 506 suspicious individuals were checked during the day-long effort.
Government’s Commitment
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has instructed Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police to work relentlessly toward making Punjab a drug-free state. To oversee the campaign, the Punjab Government has formed a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Three-Pronged Strategy: Enforcement, De-Addiction, Prevention (EDP)
Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla highlighted the state’s comprehensive approach to tackling the drug problem through Enforcement, De-Addiction, and Prevention. As part of the de-addiction component, Punjab Police successfully persuaded 71 individuals to enroll in de-addiction and rehabilitation programs on Thursday.
Significance
The ongoing Yudh Nashian Virudh campaign reflects Punjab’s resolute commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and addiction. With robust enforcement, community outreach, and rehabilitation efforts, the state is making significant strides toward a drug-free future, aligning with CM Mann’s vision for a healthier and safer Punjab.
