Punjab Police Intensifies War Against Drugs with Operation ‘OPS Seal-IX’

In a determined effort to combat the drug menace in Punjab, the Punjab Police launched a comprehensive operation named ‘OPS Seal-IX’ as part of the ongoing campaign “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. The operation, aimed at curbing drug trafficking and liquor smuggling, saw the deployment of over 250 police teams and was executed across all districts bordering other states and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The action was part of a broader strategy to make Punjab a drug-free state, reinforcing the government’s commitment to eliminating the drug trade and its associated crimes.

The operation, carried out from 8 AM to 2 PM, involved sealing 84 inter-state entry and exit points. It was conducted under the guidance of Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab, Gaurav Yadav, with Special DGP Law and Order, Arpit Shukla, supervising the efforts. The focus was on joint Naka operations at strategic locations, with over 1,000 police personnel mobilized to ensure a robust security presence. Ten inter-state border districts, including Pathankot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Ropar, SAS Nagar, Patiala, Sangrur, Mansa, Hoshiarpur, and Bathinda, were covered during the operation.

As part of the drive, police teams checked 3,938 vehicles entering and exiting Punjab. Of these, 471 vehicles were issued challans, and 11 were impounded for violations. The extensive checking aimed to prevent drug and liquor smuggling into the state, ensuring that no illegal substances crossed the borders unchecked. The proactive measures highlighted the administration’s resolve to dismantle networks facilitating the drug trade.

The operation also included a large-scale Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) against drug smugglers across the state. Police teams conducted 687 raids, resulting in the arrest of 111 drug traffickers and the registration of 86 FIRs. The crackdown led to significant seizures, including 1.2 kg of heroin, 9.8 kg of opium, 3.3 kg of ganja, 46 kg of poppy husk, and 7,091 intoxicant tablets, pills, and injections. Additionally, Rs. 1.32 lakh in drug money was recovered from the arrested individuals. With these arrests, the total number of drug smugglers apprehended in the past week has reached 884, marking a substantial blow to the illegal narcotics trade in the state.

Special DGP Arpit Shukla emphasized that the Punjab Police have devised a comprehensive three-pronged strategy—Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP)—to eradicate drugs from the state. As part of the De-addiction initiative, the police persuaded two individuals to undergo rehabilitation treatment, showcasing a balanced approach that not only targets traffickers but also supports victims of addiction. Meanwhile, the Prevention strategy included organizing 189 awareness programs across Punjab to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse and the legal consequences of involvement in the drug trade.

The success of Operation ‘OPS Seal-IX’ reflects the state government’s proactive approach and the Punjab Police’s commitment to a drug-free Punjab. With the support of central and state authorities, these operations are expected to continue with even greater intensity in the coming days, aiming to dismantle the drug cartels operating in and around the state. The unwavering resolve demonstrated by the authorities has instilled a sense of hope among the residents that Punjab will soon overcome the scourge of drugs that has afflicted it for years.

#PunjabPolice #DrugFreePunjab #OPSSealIX #WarAgainstDrugs #BhagwantMann #LawAndOrder #AntiDrugCampaign