629 major drug traffickers arrested in 500 days of campaign, says Punjab DGP
Chandigarh, July 19
On the completion of 500 days of the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said during this period 629 major drug traffickers were arrested, besides seizures of drugs and the dismantling of organised trafficking networks.
"Ever since the campaign was launched on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police have registered 52,432 first information reports (FIRs) under the NDPS Act and apprehended more than 68,850 drug traffickers. Of these, 629 major traffickers, each found in possession of more than two kg heroin, collectively worth around Rs 12 crore, have been arrested," he said.
Complementing the enforcement drive, the government has also provided 10,917 individuals with an opportunity to rebuild their lives by extending immunity from prosecution under Section 64-A of the NDPS Act, enabling them to seek treatment and rehabilitation instead of punishment.
The police have simultaneously targeted the financial backbone of drug cartels by attaching and confiscating properties acquired through the proceeds of the drug trade.
Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) chief Nilabh Kishore said during the campaign, properties of Rs 319 crore belonging to drug traffickers were attached or confiscated. Illegal structures raised on government land using proceeds from the drug trade have also been demolished.
Another hallmark of the campaign has been growing public participation through the Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline (97791-00200).
The helpline has received 46,342 anonymous tip-offs, leading to the arrest of 22,960 drug traffickers, an official statement said. The overwhelming response reflects growing public confidence in Punjab Police and demonstrates the success of community policing by encouraging citizens to report drug-related activities without fear, said officials.
Punjab Police also focused on ensuring that investigations result in successful prosecutions.
DGP Yadav said, "With an 89 per cent conviction rate in NDPS cases, the highest in the country, the force attributes its success to high-quality investigations, improved evidence collection and close coordination with prosecution agencies."
Apart from sustained enforcement, Punjab Police are also working in close coordination with over 24,000 Village Defence Committees, comprising more than 1.25 lakh members, which report suspicious activities and support intelligence gathering at the village level. Additionally, awareness drives, sports events, interactive youth programmes and public meetings are being organised across the state in collaboration with educational institutions, civil society organisations and community leaders to build community resilience against substance abuse.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The helpline number is a game changer! 46,000 anonymous tips leading to 22,960 arrests? That shows people trust the police now. But I wonder about the safety of informers. Hope police are protecting their identities properly. Also, property attachment of Rs 319 crore - now we're talking! Hit them where it hurts - their pockets. 💪
As a Punjabi living abroad, this gives me hope. The drug problem was destroying our villages. But 52,432 FIRs in 500 days means roughly 105 cases filed daily - that's alarming. The numbers show the depth of the problem. Need more preventive measures, especially in border areas. Village Defence Committees with 1.25 lakh members - that's community policing at its best.
Impressive numbers, but I'm curious about the long-term impact. Arresting dealers is important, but what about demand reduction? The section 64-A immunity for 10,917 people is a good start, but we need more awareness in schools and colleges. Punjab's youth are our future - let's invest in sports and jobs to keep them away from drugs.
Real progress! From my village in Malwa, I can see the difference. Earlier, you'd see peddlers openly, now they operate secretly. The 89% conviction rate is amazing - our courts are finally working with police. But the real test is whether these big fish stay behind bars. We've seen cases where accused get bail easily. Hope the prosecution keeps up the good work.
Good work by Punjab Police,
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