AI Generated Summary
- On the 165th day of the ongoing drive, officers raided 374 locations, resulting in the arrest of 73 alleged drug smugglers and the registration of 53 FIRs.
- “Officers were instructed to conduct CASOs under the supervision of SP-rank officials at crowded public places such as railway stations, bus stands, markets, shopping malls, and parks,” Shukla noted, adding that personnel were told to maintain a friendly and courteous approach while conducting frisking operations.
- Acting on directives from Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, coordinated flag marches were carried out simultaneously in all 28 police districts, targeting sensitive areas and followed by extensive cordon and search operations (CASOs) at vulnerable locations.
In the run-up to Independence Day celebrations, Punjab Police have intensified security measures across the state, with all field units ordered to remain on heightened alert. Acting on directives from Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, coordinated flag marches were carried out simultaneously in all 28 police districts, targeting sensitive areas and followed by extensive cordon and search operations (CASOs) at vulnerable locations.
Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla confirmed that the operations were led by Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) in their respective districts. The goal, he said, was not only to reassure the public but also to ensure readiness in preventing or responding to any untoward incident. “Officers were instructed to conduct CASOs under the supervision of SP-rank officials at crowded public places such as railway stations, bus stands, markets, shopping malls, and parks,” Shukla noted, adding that personnel were told to maintain a friendly and courteous approach while conducting frisking operations.
In total, 250 police teams—comprising over 1,500 officers—were deployed statewide to identify suspicious individuals while keeping public inconvenience to a minimum.
Crackdown on Drug Smuggling Continues
Alongside security preparations, Punjab Police pressed on with their sustained campaign against drug trafficking. On the 165th day of the ongoing drive, officers raided 374 locations, resulting in the arrest of 73 alleged drug smugglers and the registration of 53 FIRs. The cumulative number of arrests in the campaign has now reached 25,719.
The raids led to the seizure of 2.4 kilograms of heroin and ₹42,800 in alleged drug money. More than 120 teams, involving over 1,100 personnel and 73 gazetted officers, participated in Wednesday’s state-wide action, checking 406 individuals suspected of involvement in narcotics.
Shukla reiterated the state government’s three-pronged strategy—Enforcement, De-addiction, and Prevention (EDP)—as the foundation of its anti-drug policy. On Wednesday alone, police persuaded 61 individuals to seek treatment and rehabilitation for substance abuse.
With Independence Day approaching, officials say the dual focus on public safety and anti-drug enforcement reflects Punjab’s determination to maintain peace while tackling one of its most persistent challenges.
