The Punjab government has announced a two-month extension to its ongoing statewide anti-drug campaign, “Yudh Nashian Virudh”, which was initially set to conclude on May 31. The extension was confirmed by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Saturday, who stated that while the campaign has significantly disrupted drug trafficking networks, further action is necessary to sustain the momentum.
The drive, which began on March 1, was launched with a three-month deadline by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to eliminate the drug menace in the state. However, with many drug networks still active, authorities have decided to intensify efforts over the next 60 days.
“This is not the end. The fight against drugs will continue with greater force. New lists of drug peddlers and suppliers have been prepared, and fresh operations will be launched immediately,” said DGP Yadav while addressing the media.
Focus on Rehabilitation: ‘Each One, Adopt One’
In a first-of-its-kind move, the Punjab Police will now adopt a more compassionate approach towards addicts. Under the new “Each One, Adopt One” initiative, senior police officials, including the DGP, will personally adopt and monitor the recovery of individuals undergoing treatment at de-addiction centres.
“This personalised approach is aimed at supporting addicts through their recovery journey and helping them reintegrate into society,” Yadav said.
Major Seizures and Arrests
During the three-month campaign, the police made significant breakthroughs:
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₹10.76 crore in drug-related cash was seized.
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48 hawala operators were arrested, disrupting the financial network of drug syndicates.
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Over 6,000 drug addicts were admitted to rehabilitation centres.
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1,121 individuals, caught with small quantities of drugs, were sent for treatment under Section 64-A of the NDPS Act.
Yadav noted that this dual approach — targeting traffickers while rehabilitating users — has helped the campaign gain traction and public support.
Anti-Drone Systems Deployed at Border
To combat cross-border smuggling of narcotics, arms, and explosives, advanced anti-drone systems have been deployed along the Punjab border with Pakistan. These systems are designed to detect, identify, and neutralise drones used in smuggling operations.
“The deployment of drone detection technology has added a crucial layer of security and will help in curbing smuggling through aerial routes,” Yadav added.
With the extension of the campaign, authorities remain firm on their stance to eradicate drugs from Punjab. The next two months, according to officials, will see more targeted actions, deeper investigations, and continued focus on both enforcement and rehabilitation.
