In a resolute move to make Punjab a drug-free state, the Punjab Police on Sunday conducted an extensive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) targeting drug hotspots and vulnerable areas, focusing on curbing the drug supply at the ‘Point of Sale’. The state-level operation was carried out under the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

The operation, which took place from 11 am to 2 pm, was meticulously planned and supervised by senior police officials including range Additional Director General of Police (ADGPs), Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs), Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs), and Commissioners of Police, Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) across all 28 police districts in the State.

Special DGP, Law and Order, Arpit Shukla personally led the operation in SAS Nagar, accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Ropar Range Nilambari Jagdale and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr Sandeep Garg.

Three-Pronged Strategy for Drug Eradication

Special DGP Arpit Shukla highlighted the Punjab Police's multi-pronged strategy to eradicate the drug menace, which includes Enforcement, Deaddiction, and Prevention (EDP). He emphasized that the police are focusing on controlling drug supply by targeting small drug peddlers and forfeiting illegally acquired properties of major drug traffickers under Section 68F of the NDPS Act. The police have also strengthened the Second Line of Defence along the border to prevent drug smuggling from across the border.

Major Reshuffle of Police Personnel

Following DGP Yadav's instructions, a significant reshuffle of police personnel from constable to inspector ranks, who have been posted at police stations for three or more years, is underway across the State. The move is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and integrity of the police force in tackling drug-related crimes. Police officers have been directed to investigate the forward and backward linkages of all NDPS Act cases and take strict action against those found colluding with drug smugglers. Vigilance on drug smugglers lodged in jails has also been intensified.

Impressive Results in Drug Seizures and Convictions

Special DGP Shukla reported a remarkable increase in heroin recoveries, which have risen 5.6 times (567 percent) since 2017. Punjab Police seized a record 1,346 kg of heroin in 2023, compared to 594 kg in 2022, 571 kg in 2021, 760 kg in 2020, 460 kg in 2019, 424 kg in 2018, and 179 kg in 2017. The conviction rate under the NDPS Act has also improved significantly from 59 percent in 2018 to 81 percent in 2023.

CASO Details and Outcomes

During the CASO, over 450 police teams, comprising more than 3,000 police personnel, cordoned off 280 drug hotspots. The operation led to the registration of 140 FIRs and the arrest of 166 individuals. Police teams recovered 2.7 kg of heroin, Rs 1.50 lakh in drug money, 12.2 kg of poppy husk, 5,820 intoxicant tablets, and a large quantity of illicit and licit liquor and lahan. Additionally, 16 motorcycles and three cars were impounded.

Prevention and Deaddiction Efforts

Apart from enforcement, the Punjab Police has launched a special campaign against drugs as part of their prevention efforts. This campaign aims to educate the public and garner support in the fight against drugs. For deaddiction, drug consumers caught with small quantities of drugs are encouraged to avail the provision of Section 64-A of the NDPS Act, which offers them an opportunity for deaddiction and rehabilitation.

Special DGP Shukla reaffirmed the Punjab Police’s commitment to rooting out the drug menace and urged the public to support their efforts. The operation's success underscores the state's unwavering dedication to creating a safer, drug-free Punjab.

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Action against Drugs since March 2022