-484 NDPS Act cases registered in four districts, 693 accused arrested: DIG
-21.9 kg heroin, 3.6 kg smack, approximately 2525 kg poppy husk, 17.5 kg opium, approximately 83 kg cannabis, 1,33,400 narcotic tablets/capsules, along with ₹15,18,740 in drug money seized
Patiala, April 10:
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Patiala Range, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, stated that under the “Yudh Nashian Virudh” campaign launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to make Punjab drug-free, significant actions have been taken in line with the directives of Punjab Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav. Over the past 100 days, from January 1, 2025, a total of 484 cases were registered under the NDPS Act in the four districts of the Patiala Range—Patiala, Sangrur, Barnala, and Malerkotla—leading to the arrest of 693 accused individuals.
Addressing the media at Police Lines, Patiala, DIG Mandeep Singh Sidhu shared details of the seizures made during this period. The police recovered 21.9 kg of heroin, 3.6 kg of smack, approximately 2,525 kg of poppy husk, 17.5 kg of opium, around 83 kg of cannabis, 1,33,400 narcotic tablets/capsules, ₹15,18,740 in drug money, and 56 vehicles used by the smugglers.
During the same period, eight proclaimed offenders (P.O.s) were apprehended. Furthermore, 11 properties purchased through drug proceeds, valued at ₹4,83,01,745, were frozen. With the support of the district administration, six illegally constructed houses linked to drug smugglers were demolished. To spread awareness against drug abuse, the police organized 1,171 seminars, held 526 community contact meetings, and conducted three cycle rallies and one sports event. Encouraged by these efforts, 58 individuals battling addiction voluntarily approached the police and were admitted to de-addiction and outpatient treatment centers.
The Patiala Range Police also conducted 52 Cordon and Search Operations (CASO) in hotspot areas. Of the narcotics seized, approximately 2,464 kg of poppy husk, 22.96 kg of opium, 2.27 kg of heroin, and 13,260 narcotic tablets/capsules were destroyed. Among community-based anti-drug initiatives, 279 of 1,315 Village Defense Committees and 122 of 384 Ward Defense Committees passed resolutions against drug smugglers.
In parallel, strict action was taken against the production and sale of illicit liquor. A total of 138 cases were registered, and 149 individuals were arrested. Police recovered around 60,823 liters of illicit liquor and 2,410 liters of lahan (raw liquor).
To maintain law and order, six cases were registered against gangsters, resulting in the seizure of 16 weapons, 59 cartridges, and two vehicles. Meanwhile, 227 NDPS Act cases were disposed of in courts, with 212 resulting in convictions—achieving an impressive conviction rate of 93.4%.
As part of the ongoing campaign to make Punjab drug-free, the ‘Safe Punjab’ helpline number 97791–00200 has been issued, encouraging the public to share accurate and confidential information about drug smugglers.
