Under Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s flagship campaign ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virodh’ (War Against Drugs), police continued their intensified crackdown on narcotics smuggling and trafficking. On the 208th day of the state-wide drive, Punjab Police arrested 91 drug smugglers, registered 74 FIRs, and conducted raids at 353 different locations across the state.
Major Recoveries
During the operations, the police recovered:
- 8.7 kg of heroin
- 5 kg of opium
- 13 kg of poppy husk
- 1,113 intoxicant tablets/capsules
- ₹8,100 in drug money
Officials stated that the continuous campaign has been yielding consistent results, with several major networks being dismantled.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has consistently emphasised that his government is committed to wiping out drugs from Punjab. “Our aim is to save the younger generation from this menace and restore Punjab’s image as a land of hard work and prosperity,” Mann stated earlier this month. He added that the war against drugs will continue “till the last smuggler is behind bars.”
Focus on Rehabilitation
Apart from the crackdown, the Punjab government is also working on rehabilitation initiatives for addicts. Special de-addiction centres and awareness campaigns are being strengthened at the village level to ensure that those struggling with addiction can return to normal life. Experts believe this dual approach of enforcement and rehabilitation is key to creating long-term change.
30,944 Smugglers Arrested So Far
Since the launch of the drive, Punjab Police have arrested 30,944 drug traffickers and lodged thousands of FIRs across districts. The government has also emphasised strict monitoring of border areas to curb cross-border narcotics smuggling, often pushed in by drones.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards drugs, stressing that the campaign is not just about arrests and seizures but also about safeguarding Punjab’s youth and dismantling organised drug syndicates.
