Heroin recoveries surge 148% from 2017–21 to 2022–26 as Bhagwant Mann Govt’s ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ tightens grip on drug-gang nexus
From 64% to 84% conviction rate, Punjab’s crackdown delivers results as ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ backs enforcement with outcomes
Figures since 2022 Show Deepening War Against Drug Networks compared to 2017-21 period
CHANDIGARH, April 23:
Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ has intensified into a sustained, high-impact crackdown under the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government, with fresh data pointing to a sharp rise in enforcement, deeper network disruption, and significantly improved conviction outcomes driven by the flagship campaign Yudh Nasheyan Virudh.
The data shows that 73,541 NDPS cases have been registered between 2022 and 2026 (till date), marking an increase of over 40 percent compared to 52,255 cases during 2017–21. Arrests have also seen a steep rise, reaching 98,596 in the current period, up nearly 45 percent from 68,064 earlier, indicating sustained, large-scale action against drug trafficking networks across Punjab.
The scale of enforcement is most evident in seizure patterns, which reflect a deeper penetration into supply chains. Heroin recoveries have surged by 148%, with 5,979 kg seized since 2022 compared to 2,412 kg between 2017–21. Opium seizures have also risen by over 43 percent to 3,583 kg, pointing to intensified ground-level operations.
Action against synthetic drugs has seen a particularly sharp escalation. Ice (crystal methamphetamine) seizures have jumped more than fourfold, rising from 17 kg in the earlier period to 93 kg since 2022, registering a 447% increase. Cocaine seizures, at 6,064 kg, remain broadly consistent with 6,852 kg recorded earlier, reflecting continued pressure on high-value narcotics.
The crackdown has also widened to address pharmaceutical drug abuse, with enforcement agencies recovering 8.7 crore tablets and capsules between 2022–26, underlining a broader strategy to cut off supply chains feeding addiction among youth.
Crucially, the enforcement drive is translating into stronger judicial outcomes. Conviction rates have climbed to 89 percent, indicating tighter investigations, improved evidence-building, and more effective prosecution.
Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said, “This is not just an increase in enforcement activity, it is a structural shift in how the drug menace is being tackled. The rise in cases and seizures reflects deeper, intelligence-led targeting of networks, while the jump in conviction rates shows that cases are being carried through to conviction. There is sustained pressure across the entire chain, from suppliers to distributors.”
The DGP said that scale and consistency of this action stems from the clear strategic direction under CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, with Yudh Nasheyan Virudh emerging as the central driver of coordinated, high-intensity enforcement across Punjab.
While the rise in seizures reflects intensified action on the ground, the Bhagwant Mann Government has reiterated that the larger objective remains long-term disruption of drug networks and reducing availability at the grassroots level, ensuring that enforcement translates into lasting impact.
