500 days of anti-drug drive: Over 68k traffickers arrested, ₹319 crore assets attached

In a major law‑enforcement milestone, Punjab police have completed 500 days of a coordinated anti‑drug campaign, resulting in the arrest of more than 68,000 suspected traffickers and the attachment of assets valued at ₹319 crore. The figures underscore the scale of the operation, which has targeted both street‑level dealers and higher‑up network members across the state. By the end of the period, police reported that the seized property includes cash, vehicles and real estate linked to the drug trade, reflecting the financial depth of the networks dismantled. The arrests comprise a mix of local dealers, mid‑level operatives and several key figures identified in ongoing investigations, illustrating the breadth of the crackdown. The operation has also resulted in the seizure of thousands of doses of narcotics, though the exact count of individual drug packets is not disclosed in official statements. A notable component of the drive involves Section 64A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, under which 10,917 individuals have been offered immunity from prosecution. The provision allows them to undergo treatment and rehabilitation rather than face jail time, aiming to break the cycle of addiction and recidivism. Legal experts note that Section 64A was introduced to balance punitive measures with public health considerations, recognizing that many involved in drug trafficking are themselves victims of substance abuse. The policy has been applied in several states, but Punjab’s figures represent one of the largest applications to date. The attached assets, valued at ₹319 crore, include cash, vehicles and property recovered during raids. Police also reported the confiscation of large quantities of precursor chemicals essential for the manufacture of certain illegal substances, further disrupting the drug supply chain. Operational tactics have evolved over the 500‑day period, with police employing intelligence‑driven raids, joint patrols across multiple districts and coordination with central agencies to target emerging hotspots. The campaign’s continuity reflects a sustained commitment to curb the flow of narcotics into the region. Punjab has long struggled with drug trafficking, a problem that intensified in the early 2000s and has remained a pressing concern for law‑enforcement and public health officials. Historical data shows periodic spikes in arrests, but the current drive marks a sustained, large‑scale effort that goes beyond sporadic operations. While the numbers indicate notable progress, officials caution that the fight against narcotics remains a long‑term endeavor. The home department has emphasized that the immunity provision under Section 64A is part of a broader strategy to integrate treatment into the criminal justice process, and sustained vigilance, community awareness programs and continued coordination with central agencies are seen as essential to maintaining momentum and preventing a resurgence. Authorities have indicated that the campaign will continue beyond the 500‑day mark, with plans to refine strategies based on lessons learned and evolving market dynamics. Overall, the 500‑day milestone reflects a concerted effort by Punjab’s law‑enforcement apparatus to curb drug trafficking, dismantle organized networks, and promote rehabilitation for those caught in the cycle of addiction.

Source: Hindustan Times