CHANDIGARH, March 11: The war against drugs “Yudh Nashian Virudh” waged by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has entered its 11th day. Punjab Police conducted raids at 580 locations on Tuesday. These raids led to the arrest of 110 drug smugglers. This followed the registration of 68 first information reports (FIRs) across the state. With this, the number of total drug smugglers arrested has reached to 1540 in just 11 days.

Police Seize Drugs and Cash in Statewide Operation

Police teams have also recovered 2.8 kg heroin, 500 grams opium, 10904 intoxicant tablets/pills/injections and Rs 2.88 lakh drug money from the possession of arrested drug smugglers. The police conducted the operation following the directions of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav. They carried it out simultaneously in all 28 police districts of the state. Notably, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann has given instructions to the Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners, and Senior Superintendent of Police. The goal is to make Punjab a drug-free state in the coming three months. The Punjab government has set up a 5-member Cabinet Sub Committee. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema leads this committee to monitor the war against drugs. Special DGP Law and Order Arpit Shukla divulged details about a major operation. Over 220 Police teams were involved, comprising over 1600 police personnel. These teams operated under the supervision of 107 gazetted officers. They conducted raids across the state and checked as many as 631 suspicious persons during the day-long operation. The Special DGP stated that the state government is enforcing a three-pronged strategy. This includes Enforcement, Deaddiction, and Prevention (EDP) to eradicate drugs. The Punjab Police, as part of ‘De-addiction,’ has convinced one person to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment. They also organized 146 awareness events across the state as part of Prevention. Meanwhile, Punjab Police has also carried out search operation at different jails in five districts— Fazilka, Ferozepur, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Faridkot and Moga— to check any illegal activities in the jail. “Our Police teams have thoroughly searched every nook and corner including barracks, kitchen and toilets in the jail complex,” said Special DGP Arpit Shukla.