In a relentless pursuit to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab as per the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, Punjab Police on Monday conducted a statewide Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at identified drug Hotspots— the points of sale of drugs and psychotropic substances— across the state as part of the Yudh Nashian Virudh, marking the 170th day of the intensified anti-drug campaign.
The CASO was conducted simultaneously in all 28 Police districts of the state on the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav. During the daylong operation, police teams have conducted raids at 272 drug hotspots across the state leading to arrest of 196 persons after registration of 164 first information reports (FIRs). Police teams have also recovered 2.4 kg heroin, 2 kg opium, 30 kg Ganja, 13,451 intoxicant tablets/capsules and Rs 15,020 drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers.
Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has asked the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free state. The Punjab government has also constituted a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to monitor the war against drugs.
Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla, who was personally overseeing the operation, said that the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign launched on March 1, 2025, has resulted in arrest of 26085 drug smugglers after registration of 16705 first information reports (FIRs) across the state and led to recovery of 1076 kg heroin, 372 kg opium, 217 quintals poppy husk, 415 kg ganja, 32.53 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules, 6 kg ICE and Rs 12.38 crores drug money from the possession of drug smugglers.
He informed that the ‘Safe Punjab’ Anti-Drug WhatsApp Chatbot— 97791-00200— launched by the Punjab Police has received an overwhelming response with over 5000 first information reports (FIRs) registered following the tips from general public. The Special DGP exhorted more people to make maximum use of Safe Punjab helpline, which allows to citizens to report drug related activities anonymously.