Chandigarh/Patiala, 31 March
In a determined push to eliminate the drug crisis plaguing Punjab, the Punjab Police marked the 31st day of the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign by arresting 48 drug smugglers on March 31. Launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, this statewide initiative led to the seizure of 16.7 kilograms of heroin and ₹34,300 in drug-related cash during the operation. Since the campaign began, a total of 4,640 individuals involved in drug trafficking have been apprehended, reflecting the state’s unwavering commitment to becoming drug-free.
The operation, orchestrated by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, spanned all 28 police districts of Punjab. More than 200 police teams, consisting of over 1,400 personnel and supervised by 99 gazetted officers, conducted raids at 518 locations across the state. This extensive effort resulted in the registration of 35 new First Information Reports (FIRs) and the checking of 608 suspicious individuals. Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla praised the meticulous planning and execution, emphasizing the police force’s dedication to rooting out the drug menace.
watch….Yudh Nashian Virudh Campaign: 1259 FIRs Filed, 1758 Arrested So Far – Harpal Cheema
The Punjab government has adopted a comprehensive three-pronged strategy to tackle the issue:
- Enforcement: Cracking down on drug smugglers and trafficking networks.
- Deaddiction: Supporting rehabilitation efforts, with two individuals persuaded to undergo treatment during this operation.
- Prevention: Implementing measures to curb drug abuse at its source.
Chief Minister Mann has directed Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendents of Police to prioritize this mission. To ensure its success, a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee, chaired by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, has been established to oversee the anti-drug campaign’s progress.
The “Yudh Nashian Virudh” initiative underscores Punjab’s resolve to address a longstanding issue that has deeply affected its communities, with each operation bringing the state closer to its goal of a drug-free future.
