Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
Punjab government has planned a 60-day mission-mode campaign to intensify its fight against drug abuse and trafficking, with a focus on identifying drug hotspots across cities and villages and deploying police and civil officers in these areas, Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav said on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) complex in Jalandhar, Yadav outlined the government's strategy to tackle the drug menace through coordinated action involving multiple departments. The plan was discussed at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, where it was decided that the Health, Education and Sports departments would also participate in the campaign.
Under the initiative, authorities will first identify drug-affected and vulnerable areas. A police officer and a civil officer will be deployed at each identified hotspot to coordinate enforcement and other interventions.
The campaign will go beyond arrests and seizures, with the government planning measures to improve conditions in affected communities. These include developing sports grounds, installing streetlights and CCTV cameras, and connecting young people with rehabilitation centres and de-addiction services to help them return to mainstream society.
Over 95,000 NDPS FIRs Registered Since March 2022
Sharing details of the action taken against drug trafficking, DGP Gaurav Yadav said Punjab Police had registered more than 95,000 FIRs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act since March 2022. During the same period, more than 1.27 lakh accused had been arrested.
The police have seized over 7,200 kilograms of heroin and frozen properties worth ₹902 crore linked to drug traffickers, according to the DGP. He said the value of the frozen assets represented the highest such figure among states in the country.
The government aims to combine enforcement with preventive measures and rehabilitation to address the social impact of drug abuse, particularly among young people.
Over 3,500 Gang Members Arrested
Yadav also highlighted the Punjab Police's action against organised crime. The Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) has arrested 3,526 members of various criminal gangs since April 6, 2022.
Under a special drive launched in January 2026, the police have busted 1,288 gangster modules, seized 2,507 advanced weapons and impounded 752 vehicles, he said.
Over ₹1,600 Crore Invested in Police Modernisation
The Punjab government has invested more than ₹1,600 crore to strengthen the police force's capabilities, technological infrastructure and operational efficiency.
The investment is being used to develop modern police buildings, provide advanced equipment and software, and upgrade cybercrime police stations with modern facilities.
The proposed 60-day campaign is intended to bring together law enforcement, public services and community-level interventions, with the objective of curbing drug trafficking, preventing substance abuse and supporting the rehabilitation of affected youth across Punjab.
