Punjab Police seize 467 kg of heroin in first half of 2026

In one of the most significant enforcement successes in recent months, the Punjab Police recovered 466.825 kg of heroin from 19 major cases, each involving at least 10 kg, between January 1 and June 19, 2026. These cases also led to the arrest of 55 people under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

These numbers, based on official district data from Punjab Police, show the scale of the ongoing fight. Border districts and special units handled most of the cases: Amritsar (Rural) had 4 cases with 10 arrests and 132.397 kg recovered; SSOC/ASR had 3 cases, 9 arrests, and 116.62 kg; PS ANTF had 5 cases, 15 arrests, and 85.141 kg; Ferozepur had 3 cases, 5 arrests, and 45.257 kg.

Other districts and units, including CP Amritsar, Kapurthala, Fazilka, and SSOC/Fazilka, handled the remaining cases. Altogether, these operations accounted for 19 cases, 55 arrests, and 466.825 kg of heroin seized. The larger “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign, started on March 1, 2025, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, had shown strong results by mid-2026. The effort combines strict enforcement with rehabilitation and community involvement, moving toward a zero-tolerance, mass-movement strategy. By early 2026, the campaign had already led to tens of thousands of FIRs, over 45,000 drug smugglers arrested in one phase, nearly 2,000 kg of heroin seized earlier, and more than 90,000 people treated for addiction through OOAT centres and other facilities. Conviction rates in NDPS cases also rose, reaching 89% in 2026, up from 80 per cent in 2022 and 88per cent in 2025.

The strong campaign against drugs has helped the Punjab Police break up cross-border networks. Much of the heroin comes from across the border with Pakistan and is often smuggled by drones or hidden in vehicles and shipments. Working with the Border Security Force (BSF) and other agencies, the Punjab Police have repeatedly caught Pakistan-linked cartels and international groups. In June 2026, they busted a major cross-border cartel, seized over 30 kg of heroin, and arrested six people.

Punjab Police have intercepted several drones and made large drug seizures in Amritsar and other border areas. The Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and SSOC (Special Staff/Operations Command) have played pivotal roles alongside district police in high-vulnerability areas such as Amritsar Rural, Ferozepur, and Fazilka.

Besides seizures and arrests, rehabilitation and community involvement are key parts of the campaign to rid the state of drug peddlers. Punjab’s approach goes beyond enforcement.

The Government treats addiction as a health issue, improves rehab facilities, and runs awareness campaigns. CM Mann has often said that open street-level drug sales have mostly been stopped, with most threats now coming from hidden cross-border operations.

Village Defence Committees, known as “Pind De Pehredar,” panchayat resolutions, and citizen reporting have made this fight a people’s movement. Properties bought with drug money have been demolished or seized, sending a clear warning.

Punjab still faces special risks because it lies along the Golden Crescent drug-trafficking route. Smugglers keep changing tactics, using drones, new hiding methods, and different routes.

Seizing 467 kg of heroin in major cases has dealt a big blow to the supply chains that drive addiction, crime, and social problems in Punjab. The state’s drug issue has a long history, hurting families and taking away opportunities from young people. The Punjab Police’s coordinated efforts, supported by political will, improved technology, interagency teamwork, and community support, offer real hope.

Speaking to The Pioneer, DGP Punjab Gaurav Yadav said, “The fight against drugs is a fight for the future of Punjab. Through intelligence-driven operations, technological capabilities, inter-agency coordination, and active community participation, the Punjab Police is relentlessly targeting and dismantling the networks that threaten our youth and society.

This is not merely a law enforcement campaign but a collective mission to reclaim our communities, protect our families, and secure a brighter future for generations to come. Backed by the unwavering support of the Government and the people of Punjab, we remain resolute in our commitment that those who profit from the destruction of our youth will find no refuge in Punjab. At the same time, every effort will be made to help affected individuals return to a life of dignity, hope, and opportunity,” the DGP added.