Massive Anti-Drug Initiative: 290 Smugglers Arrested, 232 FIRs Filed in Punjab

Synopsis

On March 1, the Punjab Police carried out a significant Cordon and Search Operation, resulting in the apprehension of 290 smugglers and the registration of 232 FIRs. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to combat drug trafficking and promote rehabilitation for users.

Key Takeaways

290 smugglers arrested during the operation.
232 FIRs registered by Punjab Police.
Substantial quantities of drugs recovered, including heroin and opium.
Government's 360-degree action plan for a drug-free Punjab.
Over 900 police teams involved in the operation.

Chandigarh, March 1 (NationPress) - On Saturday, the Punjab Police executed a significant state-wide Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) targeting known drug hotspots and sale points throughout the state. This operation resulted in the apprehension of 290 smugglers and the filing of 232 first information reports (FIRs), as stated by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav.

The four-hour operation yielded substantial recoveries, including 8.14 kg of heroin, 1.21 kg of opium, 3.5 kg of ganja, 19 kg of poppy husk, 700 grams of charas, 16,238 intoxicating tablets, pills, and injections, along with Rs 8.02 lakh in drug money.

This initiative follows a directive from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who urged law enforcement officials to achieve a drug-free Punjab within three months.

A five-member Cabinet Sub-Committee, led by Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, has been established to oversee the anti-drug campaign. DGP Yadav, who was overseeing the operation, confirmed that the CASO took place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. across all 28 police districts, with officers from the Punjab Police Headquarters in Chandigarh positioned in each district to ensure effective execution.

The government has formulated a comprehensive 360-degree action plan aimed at completely eradicating drug use in the state, alongside rehabilitating affected individuals.

Police officials are instructed to explore both forward and backward connections of all cases registered under the NDPS act and to take stringent measures against anyone found collaborating with drug traffickers.

Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla, who coordinated with Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Deepak Pareek in Balongi, Mohali, emphasized the need for meticulous planning in conducting these operations in areas known to harbor drug peddlers amidst a robust police presence.

Over 900 police teams, comprising more than 8,368 personnel under the guidance of 233 gazetted officers, have successfully cordoned off 369 drug hotspots and executed 798 raids in these locations.

Police teams inspected over 2,000 suspicious individuals, taking preventive measures against 27, and successfully arresting five proclaimed offenders (POs).