Fazilka Police arrest 1,331 in major anti-drug crackdown

The Fazilka District Police in Punjab have arrested 1,331 individuals in connection with 924 cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. This enforcement occurred over an eight-month period as part of the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign.

Significant drug seizures include 41.124 kg of heroin, 6.503 kg of opium, 250.537 kg of poppy husk, 3.85 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 42 grams of charas, and 15,843 intoxicating capsules or tablets. Additionally, 38 vehicles used in trafficking were impounded.

Alongside narcotics enforcement, the police conducted operations under the ‘Gangstran Te Vaar’ campaign targeting organized crime. This resulted in 15 arrests under the Arms Act and the seizure of 25 pistols, one country-made pistol, 32 magazines, 52 live cartridges, and three drones.

Rehabilitation efforts have been integrated into the crackdown, with 252 people admitted to de-addiction centres and 1,809 referred to Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centres. The police also conducted hundreds of community awareness camps and meetings to strengthen public relations and report cybercrime.