Punjab Police conducted a state-wide massive Cordon and Search Operation on Saturday, 17th January, as part of its efforts to make Punjab drug-free. The operation was based on the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and marked the 322nd day of the state’s intensified anti-drug campaign.
The operation was held simultaneously across all 28 police districts of Punjab between 11 am and 2 pm. It was carried out under the supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav. Senior officers of the rank of Special DGPs, ADGPs, IGPs and DIGs from the Punjab Police headquarters in Chandigarh were sent to different districts to personally monitor the action on the ground.
𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐛 | 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟑𝟐𝟐 𝐨𝐟 #𝐘𝐮𝐝𝐡𝐍𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐝𝐡 | @ANTFPunjab
— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) January 18, 2026
Reinforcing the decisive crackdown on drugs, Punjab Police conducted a statewide #CASO across all 28 police districts, targeting identified drug hotspots. During the operation, raids were carried… pic.twitter.com/tc2nOcNEx1
Raids at 831 drug hotspots across the state
During the three-hour operation, police teams raided 831 identified drug hotspots across Punjab. These raids led to the registration of 200 FIRs and the arrest of 227 drug smugglers. The police also seized a large quantity of narcotics and drug money during the operation.
According to official figures, the recoveries included 745 grams of heroin, 1.2 kilograms of opium, 550 grams of ganja, 4,935 intoxicant tablets and capsules, along with ₹8,750 in drug money from the arrested accused.
Over 45,000 drug smugglers arrested since March 2025
Special DGP of Law & Order, Arpit Shukla, who monitored this operation himself in Mohali, has shared information related to the whole operation initiated against drugs. He said, “Yudh Nashian Virudh, initiated as of 1st March, has resulted in the arrest of 45,028 drug smugglers so far.”
During this period, the Punjab Police have registered 31,370 FIRs related to drug cases and recovered 1,961 kg of heroin, 607 kg of opium, 27.5 quintals of poppy husk, 47.57 lakh intoxicant tablets and capsules, 28 kg of ICE, and ₹15.4 crore in drug money.
Focus on de-addiction and Public Support
Apart from strict enforcement, the police have also focused on rehabilitation. Arpit Shukla said more than 90,000 drug-affected individuals have been admitted to de-addiction and OOAT centres across the state as part of the prevention strategy.
He further said, “The state government is adopting an ‘Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention’ approach to deal effectively with the drug problem.”
Shukla also highlighted the success of the “Safe Punjab” Anti-Drug WhatsApp Chatbot (97791-00200), which allows people to share information anonymously. He said tips received through the chatbot have already led to the registration of over 11,591 FIRs. He appealed to the public to continue using the helpline and support the fight against drugs.
