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Punjab Launches Anti-Gangster Task Force, Cracks Major Drug Networks

The Punjab government has announced a dedicated State Anti-Gangster Task Force Police Station in Rajpura to intensify the crackdown on gangster activities statewide. This follows a major operation where Amritsar police busted a cross-border narcotics network, seizing over 7.6 kg of heroin linked to a Dubai-based handler. Concurrently, "Operation Prahaar-2" led to over 1,200 arrests in a single day as part of the broader campaign against gangsters. In a related development, Shimla Police arrested an alleged inter-state drug trafficking kingpin from Zirakpur in Punjab.

Key Points: Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force & Major Drug Busts

  • New anti-gangster police station in Rajpura
  • 7.63 kg heroin seized in Amritsar bust
  • Over 1,200 arrested in Operation Prahaar-2
  • Network linked to Dubai-based handler
  • Inter-state kingpin arrested in Zirakpur
2 min read

Punjab to set up specialised anti-gangster task force police station in Rajpura

Punjab establishes a state anti-gangster task force police station in Rajpura and announces major drug busts, including a cross-border heroin network.

"In a major breakthrough, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busts a cross-border narco-smuggling network - DGP Gaurav Yadav"

Chandigarh, February 13

The Punjab government has announced the establishment of a dedicated State Anti-Gangster Task Force Police Station in Rajpura of Patiala district.

The specialised unit will have jurisdiction across Punjab and is aimed at intensifying the crackdown on gangster activities statewide.

Earlier, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busted a cross-border narco-smuggling network and apprehended two operatives along with Rs 21800 drug money, a police officer said on Thursday.

Director General of Police Punjab - Gaurav Yadav said in a post on X, "In a major breakthrough, Amritsar Commissionerate Police busts a cross-border narco-smuggling network apprehends two operatives and recovers a consignment of 7 Kg 630 grams Heroin, along with Rs 21,800 drug money.

"Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in contact with a Dubai-based handler through virtual numbers, facilitating cross-border heroin consignments and directing pickup locations and further supply chains, DGP Yadav added.

"The handler is also linked to multiple narcotics networks and a major NDPS case involving the recovery of 43 kg of heroin," DGP Yadav added. A First Information Report has been registered at Chheharta police station, Amritsar, under the NDPS Act.

"Further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages of the network," DGP Yadav added. Punjab Police on Monday arrested more than 1,200 individuals on the first day of 'Operation Prahaar-2', a 72-hour statewide crackdown launched under the ongoing 'Gangstran Te Vaar' campaign aimed at making Punjab a gangster-free state.

As per official information, police teams conducted 2,760 raids at locations linked to wanted criminals across the state. The operation was launched on Sunday by Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav, following directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, with senior officers from Police Headquarters personally supervising operations in various districts.

In another incident, Shimla Police have unearthed an inter-state drug trafficking network and arrested its alleged kingpin, Vijay alias David alias Bihari, from Zirakpur in Punjab, in connection with multiple NDPS cases registered across the district.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative, but the real test is in sustained action. We've seen crackdowns before that fizzle out. The cross-border links mentioned here are alarming. Dubai-based handlers, virtual numbers... this needs cyber expertise and international cooperation. Hope this new police station is tech-savvy.
R
Rohit P
Operation Prahaar-2 arresting 1200 people in a day is impressive! Shows the scale of the problem. These gangsters are not just local goons; they are part of international networks funding drugs and weapons. Breaking the money chain is crucial. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived in Patiala, Rajpura is a strategic location. It's well-connected. The focus should be on rehabilitation too. Many young boys get lured into this for quick money. We need to provide alternatives alongside police action.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the task force is needed, I'm concerned about potential misuse of power. A centralised unit with so much power must have strong oversight and accountability. We don't want innocent people harassed in the name of crackdowns. The intention is good, but execution must be just.
K
Karthik V
The link to the 43 kg heroin case is huge. These networks are deeply entrenched. Salute to our Punjab Police for this hard work. Hope this task force gets the best officers. Our state's future depends on winning this war against drugs and gangsters.

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