In a determined push to eradicate drugs from Punjab, the aam Aadmi party (AAP) - led State Government has intensified its anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, with a multi-pronged strategy focusing on enforcement, de-addiction, and prevention. From introducing an anti-drug curriculum in schools to large-scale police operations, the state government is leaving no stone unturned in its war against drugs.
To safeguard Punjab’s youth from the menace of drugs, Punjab Police has signed an MoU with Punjabi University Patiala and the Educational Multimedia Research Centre (EMRC) to develop a structured 10-hour anti-drug awareness course. The program will feature lectures, audio-visual content, and interactive sessions, educating students and vulnerable youth on drug abuse prevention.
The state DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the initiative will be rolled out in schools and identified drug hotspots in the upcoming academic session. Upon completion, participants will receive certificates acknowledging their commitment to staying drug-free.
ADGP Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) Nilabh Kishore stated that EMRC and Punjabi University will create digital content in English and Punjabi, while the ANTF will oversee content finalization and appoint subject matter experts. This structured intervention aims to strengthen resistance against drugs at the grassroots level.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh reviewed the performance of drug de-addiction centres in Sangrur and Barnala, emphasizing that rehabilitation is key to breaking the cycle of addiction. The government is facilitating skill-based training to help recovering addicts secure employment.
Additionally, village-level 15-member committees will be formed to spread awareness and monitor drug-related activities in their respective areas. Dr Balbir warned drug peddlers to either cease operations or face strict legal action. He also announced that women addicts would be provided separate wards to ensure dignified treatment.
Major Crackdown on Drug Smuggling
Punjab Police arrested a habitual drug smuggler from Sri Muktsar Sahib, recovering 10.5 kg opium and Rs 35,000 drug money. The accused, Raju from Malout, was also wanted in a 54-kg poppy husk recovery case. DGP Yadav confirmed that investigations are ongoing to trace backward and forward linkages in the case. Sri Muktsar Sahib SSP Akhil Chaudhary said that Raju was apprehended with 3.5 kg opium and Rs 35,000 cash, and a subsequent raid at his house led to the seizure of another seven kgs of opium. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act.
OPS SEAL-IX – 84 interstate entry/exit points sealed
Continuing its relentless anti-drug campaign, Punjab Police launched OPS SEAL-IX — a statewide operation to monitor inter-state entry and exit points and disrupt drug trafficking networks. Under the operation, 84 inter-state entry and exit points have been sealed to prevent drug and liquor smuggling; 111 drug smugglers have been arrested after conducting 687 raids across Punjab; 86 FIRs have been registered leading to the recovery of 1.2 kg heroin, 9.8 kg opium, Rs 1.32 lakh drug money, and large quantities of other narcotics. Under the operation, total 3938 vehicles were checked, and 471 challaned, while 11 were impounded for violations. A total of 787 suspicious persons were interrogated by over 250 police teams, as a part of this statewide operation. Special DGP Arpit Shukla confirmed that Punjab Police will continue such high-intensity operations to eliminate the drug trade from the state.