Punjab Police, in collaboration with senior officers from the Punjab Police headquarters (PPHQ), embarked on a sweeping state-level operation named ‘Eagle-IV’ to eradicate drug hotspots across all 28 districts of the State. This intensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was orchestrated under the direction of the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, targeting points notorious for drug trafficking and abuse.
Commencing at 8 am and continuing until 2 pm simultaneously across Punjab, ‘Eagle-IV’ saw the deployment of Special DGP, ADGP, IGP, and DIG level officers from PPHQ to oversee operations in each district. The strategic planning and meticulous execution aimed to disrupt and dismantle entrenched drug peddling networks operating with impunity in these areas.
Speaking on the operation, Special DGP, Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, working closely with SSP Gulneet Singh Khurana in Rupnagar, underscored the multifaceted approach of the Punjab government — enforcement, deaddiction, and prevention (EDP) — as pivotal in the state’s comprehensive anti-drug strategy. This initiative signifies Punjab’s unwavering commitment to cleanse its social fabric of the drug scourge and provide a safer environment for its citizens.
In response to the evolving tactics of drug smugglers, Shukla highlighted the vigilance on drone activities, revealing that Punjab Police had recorded 906 drone sightings in border districts since September 2019. These efforts led to the recovery of 187 drones involved in smuggling drugs, weapons, and explosives, reinforcing Punjab's proactive stance against cross-border criminal activities.
Emphasizing the financial crackdown on drug networks, Shukla reported the forfeiture of 459 properties worth Rs 200 crores belonging to major drug traffickers under the current administration. Additionally, 559 proposals to freeze properties worth Rs 246 crores are pending approval, demonstrating ongoing efforts to disrupt the financial lifelines of drug cartels.
During ‘Eagle-IV’, over 500 police teams comprising more than 4000 personnel effectively cordoned off 392 identified drug hotspots. The operation included the establishment of 352 strong checkpoints to prevent the movement of illicit substances and apprehend offenders. As a result, Punjab Police successfully registered 221 FIRs and apprehended 254 individuals suspected of involvement in drug-related crimes.
Significant seizures during the operation included 2.6 kg of heroin, Rs 15.71 lakh in drug money, 83 kg of poppy husk, 2.6 kg of ganja, 550 grams of opium, 7553 intoxicant tablets, and substantial quantities of illicit and licit liquor.
