Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Police intensified its crackdown on organized crime under the special anti-gangster campaign War Against Gangsters, carrying out a massive statewide operation on the 133rd day of the initiative. Police teams simultaneously raided 499 identified and mapped locations linked to gangsters and their associates, creating panic within criminal networks.
According to Punjab Police, the operation resulted in the arrest of 221 individuals, while preventive action was taken against 81 others. Following interrogation, 10 persons were released. Police also succeeded in apprehending three proclaimed offenders and recovered two weapons during the raids.
The campaign, launched on January 20, 2026, has so far led to a total of 33,340 arrests across Punjab. The operation is being conducted under the leadership of Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, with joint teams of the Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) and district police carrying out continuous action against organized crime throughout the state.
Punjab Police reiterated its commitment to eliminating gangster networks and urged citizens to support the initiative by sharing information about gangsters, wanted criminals, and other criminal activities through the Anti-Gangster Helpline at 93946-93946. Information can be provided confidentially.
Meanwhile, on the 458th day of the War Against Drugs campaign, Punjab Police arrested 91 drug smugglers and recovered 910 grams of heroin, 285 intoxicating tablets, and ₹5.07 lakh in drug money. With these arrests, the total number of drug traffickers apprehended under the anti-drug campaign has reached 66,282.
Police also encouraged 11 individuals to quit substance abuse and undergo rehabilitation treatment, reinforcing the state's efforts toward building a drug-free Punjab.
