Crackdown under Chief Minister’s Directive
The Punjab Police, acting under the direct guidance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, launched a large-scale statewide anti-drug operation. The drive, conducted on the 262nd day of the “War Against Drugs” campaign, focused on identifying and destroying drug-selling hotspots across Punjab.
The operation was led by DGP Gaurav Yadav and supervised by Special DGP (Law & Order) Arpit Shukla. It was executed simultaneously across all 28 police districts, reflecting the government’s intensified push to curb drug trafficking.
Large-Scale Police Mobilization
Over 400 police teams comprising more than 3,000 personnel participated in this single-day mission. Around 79 gazetted officers monitored real-time action on the ground to ensure coordination and accuracy during the raids.
Police units conducted raids at 391 identified drug hotspots. As a result, 67 FIRs were registered and 79 individuals were arrested in connection with drug-related activities.
Recoveries Made During Raids
The crackdown led to significant seizures, including 4.3 kg of heroin, 971 narcotic tablets/capsules, and approximately ₹3.16 lakh in suspected drug money. The confiscated material is expected to aid further investigations into supplier networks, transport routes, and financial sources connected to the trade.
Progress of the “War Against Drugs” Campaign
Since the campaign began on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police have registered 24,809 FIRs and arrested 36,901 drug traffickers, suppliers, and peddlers.
Across these operations, the force has seized:
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1,604 kg heroin
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557 kg opium
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263 quintals of poppy husk
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529 kg cannabis
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41.39 lakh narcotic tablets/capsules
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14 kg ICE drug
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₹14.42 crore drug money
These numbers highlight both the depth of the drug problem and the scale at which the state is attempting to dismantle the drug-supply ecosystem.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
The coordinated crackdown has been welcomed by citizens, especially in regions heavily affected by drug abuse. While such raids disrupt illegal trade temporarily, sustained action, community policing, and public-awareness campaigns will be crucial to bringing long-term stability.
Experts believe that besides crackdowns, Punjab will need stronger rehabilitation programs, cross-border cooperation, and intelligence-driven investigations to completely weaken drug cartels operating inside and outside the state.
What Lies Ahead
Punjab Police are expected to intensify follow-up investigations on the newly registered cases. The financial trail from the seized drug money will be analyzed to identify bigger players and cross-district networks.
Further, the force plans to continue surprise raids, conduct patrolling in rural and urban hotspots, and keep up pressure on traffickers as part of its ongoing strategy.
