Chandigarh, April 24: The Punjab government announced a substantial improvement in judicial outcomes for narcotics cases, reporting a conviction rate of 89 percent as part of an intensified multi-year enforcement initiative. This marks a significant rise from previous years, coinciding with a 40 percent increase in the total number of cases registered across the state since 2022.
Records show that 73,541 cases were filed in the 2022–2026 period, supported by 98,596 arrests. The administration noted that these figures reflect a more aggressive stance toward dismantling drug-gang nexus points. Opium seizures rose by more than 43 percent to 3,583 kg, while cocaine recoveries remained steady at over 6,000 kg.
DGP Gaurav Yadav affirmed the importance of the current strategic direction in achieving these results. The jump in conviction rates shows that cases are being carried through to conviction, the DGP asserted. He stated that the scale and consistency of this action stems from clear coordination, noting that the objective is to reduce drug availability at the grassroots level.
The recovery of illicit substances has seen some of the most dramatic shifts in state history. Heroin seizures spiked to nearly 6,000 kg, while the recovery of crystal methamphetamine saw a 447 percent increase. Pharmaceutical drug enforcement also remained a priority, with authorities seizing 8.7 crore medical intoxicants to prevent them from reaching vulnerable populations.
Government officials maintained that the current strategy, known as Yudh Nasheyan Virudh, is designed to translate high-intensity enforcement into lasting social impact. Yadav noted that the rise in seizures and cases points to a deeper penetration into supply chains, declaring that the pressure on trafficking networks will remain constant to ensure the disruption of narcotics distribution across Punjab.
