Punjab Police orchestrated a sweeping drug disposal operation on Wednesday, coinciding with the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Across 10 different locations, Punjab Police destroyed a staggering haul including over 83 kg of heroin, 10,000 kg of poppy husk, 100 kg of ganja, and 4.52 lakh pills and capsules.
The meticulous operation was overseen by the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, who made a surprise visit to the Punjab Chemical and Crop Protection Limited in Dera Bassi, SAS Nagar. Accompanied by Special DGP Special Task Force (STF) Kuldeep Singh, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Rupnagar Range Nilambari Jagdale, and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) SAS Nagar Dr Sandeep Garg, DGP Yadav personally inspected the disposal process, ensuring transparency and adherence to protocols.
DGP Yadav, addressing the media at the site, highlighted the significance of disposing these drug consignments, which were associated with 626 NDPS cases from 33 districts and commissionerates across Punjab. He emphasized that the disposal was part of Punjab Police's ongoing efforts to combat the drug menace effectively.
“Since the inception of the Punjab Government led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, we have disposed of substantial quantities of narcotics, reaffirming our commitment to a drug-free Punjab,” DGP Yadav stated, underscoring the grave risks associated with drug addiction and the importance of community involvement in curbing drug trafficking.
The DGP urged citizens to join forces with Punjab Police, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities related to drug smuggling or distribution. He reiterated the state's three-pronged strategy of Enforcement, Deaddiction, and Prevention (EDP), aimed at eradicating drugs comprehensively from every level of society.
Highlighting the impact of Punjab Police's relentless efforts, DGP Yadav revealed that heroin recoveries have surged by an unprecedented 6.83 times (683 percent) since 2017, reflecting both the scale of the challenge and the determined response by law enforcement.
Unequivocally giving message of “Say No to Drugs”, he appealed the people to stay from any kind of drugs as addiction to narcotics could cost them their life. “Together, let us pledge to fight against drugs with unwavering resolve. Let us protect our youth, our families, and our future,” he said, while reiterating the commitment of the Punjab Police to make Punjab a drug-free state.
Intensifying our strategy on controlling drug supply at point of sale at mohalla and village level, he said that, all the Police officers have categorically been asked to trace the forward and backward linkages of all the cases being registered under the NDPS act and take strict action against those found in collusion with the drug smugglers, he added.
