Punjab’s fight against drugs has now crossed 562 days, and the state government isn’t easing up. Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Punjab Police continued their long-running “Yudh Nashian Virudh” (War Against Drugs) campaign, announcing 78 fresh arrests along with a significant seizure of narcotics and drug money.
What Was Seized in the Latest Raid
According to Punjab Police, the latest round of action led to the recovery of 830 grams of heroin, 68 kg of poppy husk, 225 intoxicant pills, and ₹1,000 in suspected drug earnings. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), which has been central to this campaign, carried out coordinated raids to track down smugglers operating across different parts of the state.
This isn’t a one-off operation. It’s part of a much larger, sustained effort that has been running for close to a year and a half, targeting everyone from small-time peddlers to bigger players in the supply chain.
Why This Campaign Matters for Punjab
Punjab has long struggled with a serious drug problem, so much so that the state earned the unfortunate nickname “Udta Punjab” (Flying Punjab), a reference to how widespread drug abuse had become. The Mann government has made cracking down on this menace one of its top priorities, combining strict police action with rehabilitation support for addicts.
Officials say the approach isn’t just about arrests and seizures. Alongside enforcement, police teams have also been counselling individuals struggling with addiction and encouraging them to seek de-addiction treatment, aiming to tackle both the supply side and the human cost of the crisis.
The Numbers So Far
Since the campaign began, tens of thousands of smugglers have been arrested across Punjab, according to earlier government updates. The state has also set up a Cabinet sub-committee to monitor progress and keep pressure on drug networks.
For residents, the message from the government is consistent: this is a long-term war, not a short campaign, and it will continue “until the menace is completely eradicated,” as Mann has repeatedly stated in earlier briefings.
What’s Next
With raids happening almost daily across Punjab’s 28 police districts, authorities say more operations are planned in the coming weeks as they continue targeting drug networks at every level, from street dealers to bigger suppliers.
