As part of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh” initiative to eliminate drug abuse, Punjab Police intensified its crackdown, arresting 70 more drug smugglers on Monday, including two after an exchange of fire. A total of 403 drug smugglers have been arrested in just three days, with 48 FIRs registered across the state.
Police teams have seized 4.63 kg of heroin, 500 grams of ganja, 100 grams of opium, 1,548 intoxicant tablets, and Rs 1.32 lakh in drug-related money from the arrested individuals. The operation, conducted under the leadership of Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav, took place simultaneously across all 28 police districts.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has directed police officials, including Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and SSPs, to make Punjab a drug-free state within three months. To oversee the campaign, the state government has also formed a five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema.
Providing further details, Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla revealed that Amritsar Rural Police arrested Jagtar Singh and Angrez Singh on Saturday, recovering 1 kg of ICE (methamphetamine) and ₹1.4 lakh from them. During a follow-up operation, Jagtar Singh attempted to escape but was shot in the leg by police and immediately given medical care.
In another operation, Amritsar Commissionerate Police apprehended notorious drug smuggler Sahil alias Neela after a shootout near Palm Garden Colony. Sahil fired at the police while trying to escape, prompting retaliatory action. He was later caught, and a .32 bore pistol was recovered from him.
Punjab Police is implementing a three-pronged strategy—Enforcement, Deaddiction, and Prevention (EDP)—to combat drug abuse. As part of its prevention efforts, 137 awareness programs, including seminars, camps, and public meetings, were conducted across the state’s 28 police districts on Sunday.
Additionally, Punjab Police carried out search operations in eight jails, including Central Jail Patiala, New Jail Nabha, Open Jail Nabha, and district jails in Sangrur, Barnala, Bathinda, Mansa, and Rupnagar. Special DGP Arpit Shukla stated that police teams thoroughly inspected barracks, kitchens, and toilets to identify and eliminate any illegal activities within the prison premises.