In a determined escalation of its fight against drug trafficking, Punjab has taken a formidable legal and administrative leap under the leadership of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. As part of the ongoing state-wide campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, Punjab Police has recorded an impressive 89 percent conviction rate in NDPS Act cases since March 1, 2025—one of the highest in India—marking a critical blow to drug cartels and trafficking networks that have long plagued the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh, DGP Gaurav Yadav, flanked by top officers including Special DGP Anti-Narcotics Task Force Kuldeep Singh, ADGP Nilabh Kishore, and IGP Headquarters Dr. Sukhchain Singh Gill, emphasized that the focus now is not merely on numbers but on dismantling the drug supply chains comprehensively. The state has seen 744 convictions out of 836 NDPS cases decided within two months, with 144 notorious drug kingpins sentenced to rigorous imprisonment of 10 years or more, underscoring the judiciary’s increasingly firm stance against narcotics offenses.
With Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann setting an ambitious target to bring drug availability on the streets to absolute zero by May 31, 2025, the DGP has summoned all Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) to present district-wise eradication plans. Each officer has been mandated to lead from the front, with accountability firmly attached to results rather than rhetoric. Officers achieving tangible outcomes will be recognized, while those delivering subpar performance or presenting exaggerated claims will face stringent consequences, reflecting a policy shift towards rigorous performance-based policing.
This latest strategic thrust is backed by citizen engagement initiatives like the Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline ‘9779100200’, which has already led to 503 FIRs and 659 arrests, demonstrating the crucial role of public participation in the state’s anti-narcotics efforts. Recognizing the need to not just arrest but economically cripple drug smugglers, Punjab Police has rolled out a three-pronged approach targeting hawala channels, freezing assets, and demolishing illegal constructions. The results have been significant, with Rs 8.03 crore in drug-related funds seized, properties worth Rs 32.95 crore frozen, and 72 illegally constructed structures belonging to smugglers demolished across the state.
Underlining the compassionate aspect of this battle, DGP Yadav pointed out that the government is also utilizing Section 64-A of the NDPS Act to channel minor drug offenders into de-addiction centers rather than prisons, offering rehabilitation instead of mere incarceration. To date, 689 individuals caught with small quantities have been sent for treatment, highlighting the state’s commitment to balancing strict enforcement with humane interventions.
The outcomes of the 59-day-long campaign ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ further reveal the scale and intensity of the crackdown. Punjab Police have arrested 7,414 drug traffickers, including 1,877 classified as ‘big fish,’ registered 4,659 FIRs under the NDPS Act, and seized nearly 300 kilograms of heroin, along with massive quantities of other narcotics and psychotropic substances. Focused operations at 755 identified drug hotspots resulted in the arrest of 1,774 smugglers through 908 targeted CASO (Cordon and Search Operations) drives, demonstrating a sharp operational focus.
In a sharp move towards ensuring police supremacy in the field, DGP Yadav also shared that 62 drug smugglers and gangsters were injured during retaliatory actions in self-defense since March 1, 2025, as the force adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards attacks on police personnel.
The state government’s future roadmap includes deploying cutting-edge anti-drone systems along the Indo-Pakistan border to intercept drones ferrying narcotics and arms, with installations expected by September-October this year. Additionally, proposals are under active consideration to establish 30 exclusive NDPS Act courts at an annual cost of Rs 22.8 crore, a move aimed at fast-tracking narcotics trials and delivering justice swiftly.
At a time when the drug menace threatens social fabrics globally, Punjab’s aggressive, integrated model combining legal, economic, technological, and community-driven interventions offers a compelling template for other states and nations grappling with similar crises. The unwavering stance taken by Punjab Police, driven by accountability, citizen partnership, and systemic disruption of narcotic networks, signals a crucial evolution in India’s war against drugs—a war where victory will not be defined by arrest counts but by a future where drugs are truly unavailable and communities can reclaim their dignity and health.
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