Chandigarh, 8 August: In the run-up to Independence Day 2025, the Punjab Police have intensified state-wide security and anti-drug operations, conducting a massive cordon and search operation (CASO) across 151 railway stations and arresting 96 drug peddlers in a parallel crackdown.
The CASO, conducted from 11 am to 2 pm on Friday, was ordered by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and led by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, under the supervision of Special DGP (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla. It was carried out simultaneously across all 28 districts of Punjab.
“Passengers at major railway stations were thoroughly checked to ensure public safety, and 72 suspects were detained for questioning during the operation,” a senior police official said.
The same day marked the 160th day of the police’s ongoing anti-drug campaign, during which 352 locations were raided. As a result:
- 59 cases were registered
- 96 individuals were arrested for drug-related offences
- 1.2 kg of heroin, 1.1 kg opium, 12,627 narcotic pills, and Rs 2.3 lakh in drug money were seized
Since the campaign began, Punjab Police have arrested 25,149 drug peddlers.
Under its de-addiction campaign ‘Nasha Chhudau’, the police also persuaded 53 individuals to give up drug use and begin rehabilitation treatment.
“This dual action reflects Punjab Police’s strong commitment to maintaining peace and tackling drug trafficking head-on,” said DGP Yadav in a statement.
The security operations involved 232 police teams and 106 gazetted officers, who also questioned 375 suspects over the course of the day.
The state police have indicated that such proactive measures will continue in the lead-up to August 15, with heightened surveillance at public places, transport hubs, and vulnerable areas.
