‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign records 54,916 FIRs; ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ operation nets 350 suspects in fresh statewide crackdown
Chandigarh, August 1: Punjab Police has crossed a significant milestone in its statewide anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’, with more than 75,000 alleged drug smugglers arrested and 3,472 kg of heroin seized during the 17-month operation launched on March 1, 2025, according to official figures released on Friday.
The campaign, initiated under the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has resulted in the registration of 54,916 First Information Reports (FIRs) and the arrest of 75,102 accused across the state. The drive is being conducted simultaneously in all 28 police districts under the supervision of Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
Providing details of the operation, Special DGP (Law and Order) Praveen Sinha said that, besides heroin, police have recovered 871 kg of opium, 425 quintals of poppy husk, 86 kg of charas, 1,193 kg of ganja, 60 kg of ICE (methamphetamine), over 60.78 lakh intoxicant pills and tablets, and ₹21.64 crore in suspected drug money.
On Day 518 of the campaign, Punjab Police arrested 91 alleged drug smugglers and recovered 20.3 kg of heroin, 15,249 intoxicant tablets and capsules, along with ₹3,800 in suspected drug proceeds. As part of its de-addiction initiative, the police also persuaded 11 individuals to undergo rehabilitation and treatment.
In a parallel crackdown under the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign, which reached Day 193, police conducted 586 raids, arrested 350 individuals, seized four weapons, took preventive action against 230 persons, and apprehended four proclaimed offenders.
Punjab Police has also appealed to the public to share information on wanted criminals and organised crime through its Anti-Gangster Helpline (93946-93946), allowing citizens to report information anonymously.
