Punjab Police Recover 467 kg Heroin in Major Hauls; 55 Arrested in 19 Cases

In one of the most significant enforcement successes in recent months, the Punjab Police have recovered 467 kg of heroin from just 19 major cases, each involving 10 kg or more, registered between January 1 and June 19, 2026. The operations led to the arrest of 55 accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The figures, compiled from official district and specialised unit records, reflect the continuing intensity of the crackdown on high-volume trafficking networks operating in the state. District-wise Breakdown of Major Hauls, Unit/District

Cases

Accused Arrested Heroin Recovered (kg) Amritsar (Rural) 4 10 132.397 SSOC/ASR 3 9 116.62

PS ANTF 5 15 85.141 Ferozepu 3  45.257

CP Amritsar 1 8 32.051

SSOC/Fazilka 1 4 28.2

Kapurthala 1 4  16.209

Fazilka 1 0 10.95 Total  19 55 467

Amritsar Rural and specialised units such as SSOC (Amritsar) and the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) accounted for the bulk of the recoveries, underscoring the vulnerability of border districts. Part of the Larger ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign. These major seizures form part of Punjab’s flagship Yudh Nashian Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign, launched on March 1, 2025, by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

The initiative combines aggressive policing with rehabilitation, community mobilisation and deterrence measures such as attachment and demolition of properties built from drug money. Over 3,000 village panchayats have passed resolutions supporting the campaign.

Thousands of volunteers under the “Pind De Pehredar” (Village Defenders) initiative are actively assisting the police by providing information on peddlers and networks while protecting their anonymity through dedicated apps and helplines, the Golden Crescent Connection. Most of the heroin seized in Punjab originates from the Golden Crescent, the opium and heroin production and trafficking hub comprising Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran.

Despite a dramatic reduction in opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s nationwide ban since 2022, existing stocks, cross-border processing labs and new smuggling routes continue to feed the illicit trade into India.

Smugglers have increasingly turned to drones for dropping consignments along the India-Pakistan border, prompting Punjab Police and the Border Security Force to deploy anti-drone systems and intensify joint operations.

Alongside enforcement, the campaign has prioritised treating addiction as a health issue. Tens of thousands of individuals have been facilitated into Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres and de-addiction facilities across the state. Conviction rates in NDPS cases have remained high, reflecting improved standards of investigation and prosecution.

Punjab continues to face unique vulnerabilities due to its location along traditional trafficking corridors. While open street-level peddling has been significantly curtailed, covert operations and the emergence of synthetic drugs such as ICE (crystal methamphetamine) remain concerns. Smugglers continue to adapt their methods in response to heightened vigilance.

The 467 kg recovered in these 19 major cases alone represents a substantial disruption to supply chains that fuel addiction, organised crime and social distress in Punjab and beyond. As Punjab moves into the second half of 2026, the data show that the state’s multi-pronged offensive, backed by political will, inter-agency coordination, technological upgrades, and active community participation, is yielding tangible results. The fight against the drug menace is far from over, but the message from the ground is clear: Punjab is pushing back with determination and resolve.

Speaking to The Pioneer, DGP Punjab Police, 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, 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, while every effort will be made to help affected individuals return to a life of dignity, hope, and opportunity.”