Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday called upon the people of the state to actively participate in the government’s crusade against drugs, Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, and help eradicate the menace from Punjab.
Mann, in an audio message, emphasized that drug abuse had spread across the State due to the open patronage of previous regimes. However, he assured that his government is fully committed to making Punjab drug-free, leaving no stone unturned in this mission.
To intensify the crackdown, the government has launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline number — 9779100200 — allowing citizens to share information on drug smugglers in their area. The Chief Minister assured that the identity of informants will remain strictly confidential.
“This war can only be won with the proactive support of the people,” Mann said, urging Punjabis to report any drug-related activities and become an integral part of this movement.
Reiterating his commitment to eliminate drugs from Punjab, Mann urged residents to step forward and contribute to the fight. “Pick up your phone, share information, and join this ambitious campaign,” he added, appealing for collective action in making Punjab drug-free.
30 day-long war: 4,614 Arrested
Punjab's war against drugs has entered its 30th day, with the Punjab Police executing a large-scale crackdown across the state. Over the past month, 4,614 drug traffickers have been arrested, 2,680 FIRs registered under the NDPS Act, and massive quantities of narcotics seized, marking one of the most aggressive anti-drug operations in the state's history.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Sunday detailed the extent of the crackdown, highlighting that police have confiscated 164 kg of heroin, 88 kg of opium, 47 kg of cannabis, and cash amounting to over Rs 5.84 crore. In a decisive move against drug cartels, properties of 50 traffickers — illegally built using drug money — have been demolished.
Additionally, the police recovered 8.60 lakh intoxicating pills, 2053 kg of poppy husk, 6.4 kg of hashish, 498 bottles of illicit liquor, 9.5 kg of narcotic powder, and 514 injections. Confiscations also included 22 motorcycles, eight mobile phones, four cars, 12 pistols, and even four kg of gold and 1.25 kg of silver linked to drug networks.
On Sunday alone, Punjab Police arrested 72 drug smugglers and seized 8.8 kg of heroin, 500 kg of ganja, and Rs 99,410 in drug money. The operation, executed across all 28 police districts, involved over 200 teams led by 82 SP or DSP-rank officers.
Bhullar praised the Punjab Police’s efficiency and dedication, emphasizing that their relentless action has made the campaign a resounding success. He assured panchayats and sarpanches of full government support, urging them to fearlessly stand against drug networks.
The State Government has adopted a three-pronged strategy — Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP) — to combat drug abuse. As part of the ‘De-addiction’ initiative, five individuals have already been convinced to seek rehabilitation treatment.
Special DGP Arpit Shukla reaffirmed Punjab Police’s commitment to making Punjab a drug-free state, as per Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s directives. The crackdown will continue, ensuring no drug trafficker escapes justice.
Illegal Encroachment by Drug Peddler Demolished in Jalandhar Rural
Jalandhar Rural Police, led by SSP Gurmeet Singh, demolished an illegal structure built by a known drug peddler in Pasla village in Noormahal on Sunday.
The unauthorized construction belonged to Jaswinder Kaur alias Jassi, wife of Amarjeet Singh alias Ram, both involved in drug trafficking. They had illegally occupied three to four marlas of panchayat land, constructing a bathroom and boundary walls. The demolition was carried out with the support of the Civil Administration, Panchayat, and BDPO officials.
SSP Gurmeet Singh revealed that Jaswinder Kaur has multiple cases registered against her under the NDPS Act and IPC, including charges of drug trafficking, attempt to murder, and rioting. Cases include FIRs registered between 2019 and 2024.
The SSP emphasized that the Punjab Police will continue strict action against drug peddlers and urged citizens to report drug-related activities via the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ WhatsApp helpline (9779-100-200), assuring complete confidentiality.
Village Sarpanch Gurvinder Singh also welcomed the action, thanking the government for its relentless fight against drugs.
Punjab Police Busts Cross-Border Drug Cartel, Seizes 6 Kg Heroin
Tarn Taran: Tarn Taran Police has busted a cross-border drug cartel, arresting two smugglers and recovering six kg of heroin, said the state Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Sunday. The accused, identified as Hardeep Singh alias Deep and Harjeet Singh, both residents of village Thathi Sohal, Tarn Taran, were found in possession of heroin and a Swift car used for smuggling.
DGP Yadav revealed that the accused were in direct contact with Pakistan-based smugglers, identified as Billa and Shah, who were using drones to drop drug consignments across the border. Investigations are underway to trace the entire supply chain, with more arrests and recoveries expected.
DIG Ferozepur Range Harmanbir Singh Gill emphasized that police are working to identify all suppliers, dealers, and buyers linked to the cartel.
Tarn Taran SSP Abhimanyu Rana detailed that based on reliable intelligence, a CIA staff team led by DSP Rajinder Minhas and DSP Gurinderpal Singh Nagra apprehended the accused in village Bhusse, Tarn Taran.
