In a sweeping and decisive action against the drug trade, the Punjab Police on Wednesday launched Operation ‘EAGLE-V’ targeting known drug hotspots across the State. The massive state-wide Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was executed with precision, involving over 500 police teams and covering 512 identified drug sale points, commonly referred to as hotspots.

Under the meticulous supervision of the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, the operation unfolded from 10 am to 2 pm, with Range Officers, Commissioners of Police (CPs), and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) overseeing the raids in their respective districts. The high-stakes initiative aimed to clamp down on pervasive drug issue plaguing the state and is part of the Punjab Government’s comprehensive Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP) strategy.

Special DGP, Law and Order, Arpit Shukla highlighted the operation’s scale and impact. “Our efforts were meticulously planned and executed. We have cordoned off 512 drug hotspots with the deployment of 518 police teams, totaling over 4,000 personnel. Additionally, 419 strong checkpoints were established around these hotspots to ensure thorough scrutiny,” said Shukla.

The operation yielded significant results — 86 individuals were arrested, including four proclaimed offenders (POs). The police teams also recovered substantial quantities of illicit substances and assets, including 270 grams of heroin, 74 kilograms of poppy husk, two kilograms of ganja, and a staggering Rs 15.21 lakh in drug money. Alongside these, the operation also netted 1,868 intoxicant tablets, and a considerable quantity of both illicit and licit liquor and lahan.

The police’s rigorous approach extended to the scrutiny of 3,741 suspicious individuals during the operation. Each person was thoroughly frisked and their credentials verified, ensuring no stone was left unturned in the fight against drug-related crime.