Citizens’ participation in Punjab’s fight against drugs has emerged as a significant force, with 51,979 tip-offs received from citizens helping authorities make 25,339 arrests under the state’s anti-drug enforcement drive under the Punjab Bhagwant Mann Government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh. The data covers the period from March 1, 2025, when the Yudh Nashean Virudh was launched, to September 3, 2026.
What is significant is that out of the overall number of FIRs — 59,293 — under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in Punjab, more than 25,000 arrests have resulted from tip-offs. 696 ‘big fish’ were arrested with more than 2 kg of heroin each, pointing to action against suppliers handling large quantities rather than only street-level peddlers, according to the data. Enforcement agencies have recovered 3,757 kg of heroin, 964 kg of opium, 45 tonnes of poppy husk, 1,288 kg of ganja, and 71 kg of methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE. In addition, 62 lakh tablets and capsules have been recovered under the NDPS Act. Separately, 11,239 individuals have been granted immunity under Section 64A of the NDPS Act, a provision that offers protection in specified circumstances to drug-dependent persons who voluntarily undergo treatment.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav said, “Tip-offs have provided extra teeth to the Anti-Narcotics Task Force and we firmly believe that in the days to come, there will be more citizen participation in giving tip-offs and subsequent arrests as a result of it. The latest figures therefore highlight the anti-drug campaign’s two-pronged approach — a large-scale crackdown on the supply chain and increased reliance on citizens and law-enforcement personnel to identify people and networks involved in the drug trade. Apart from this, the crackdown has also focused on major players in the drug trade. The scale of recoveries further highlights the extent of the operation.
