Punjab Police’s three-pronged strategy of strict enforcement, community participation and preventive education has emerged as the hallmark of its flagship anti-drug campaign, Yudh Nashian Virudh. Over the 500 days since its launch, the campaign has dealt significant blows to the narcotics trade while mobilising communities to play an active role in the fight against drugs.
On completion of 500 days of Yudh Nashian Virudh, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav said the period has witnessed one of the most intensive crackdowns on drug traffickers in the state’s history through sustained enforcement, intelligence-led operations and community policing. He said the sustained crackdown has resulted in record arrests, major drug seizures and the dismantling of organised trafficking networks.
“Ever since the campaign was launched on March 1, 2025, Punjab Police has registered 52,432 FIRs under the NDPS Act and apprehended more than 68,850 drug traffickers. Of these, 629 major traffickers, each found in possession of more than two kilograms of heroin, collectively worth around ₹12 crore, have been arrested,” he said.
Punjab Police has simultaneously targeted the financial backbone of drug cartels by attaching and confiscating properties acquired through the proceeds of the drug trade. ADGP Nilabh Kishore, Chief of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), said, “During the campaign, properties worth ₹319 crore belonging to drug traffickers were attached or confiscated. Illegal structures raised on government land using proceeds from the drug trade have also been demolished. These actions send a strong message of Punjab Police’s zero-tolerance policy against drug traffickers and the illegal wealth generated through narcotics.”
Another hallmark of the campaign has been growing public participation through the Safe Punjab Anti-Drug Helpline (97791-00200). The helpline has received 46,342 anonymous tip-offs, leading to the arrest of 22,960 drug traffickers. The overwhelming response reflects growing public confidence in Punjab Police and demonstrates the success of community policing by encouraging citizens to report drug-related activities without fear.